Polish Hen, losing head feathers and bleeding

[OrpingtonFairy]

My 4 month Polish Hen is losing her head feathers and has a dot of blood. Is she getting picked on? She’s with a silkie and and an Americauns.

Poor polish hens and the feathers covering their eyes

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yes she's getting picked on. I see new feather growth, but also scabs.

Generally polish shouldn't be mixed with other non crested breeds. It can work in larger set ups where birds are not confined, but confined, polish are often targets, especially if there's only on or a few. I have had polish get pecked enough to kill them. It is the main reason I don't confine my birds anymore.

 

[OrpingtonFairy]

Yes she's getting picked on. I see new feather growth, but also scabs.

Generally polish shouldn't be mixed with other non crested breeds. It can work in larger set ups where birds are not confined, but confined, polish are often targets, especially if there's only on or a few. I have had polish get pecked enough to kill them. It is the main reason I don't confine my birds anymore.

I usually have my chickens roaming freely during the day. I was just nervous about these because they don’t know the ropes yet and are a lot smaller than my others. But I took out the Americauna because she’s the bully. The silkie and the polish are the calm, sweet ones.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Definitely watch out for your polish and silkies. They sometimes can't handle the rougher birds. Polish and silkies can be a good combo.

 

[sourland]

The silky and the Polish should get along fine. If the feather pecking/plucking continues, Pin Less Peepers on the 'Ameraucana' may be in order.

 

[OrpingtonFairy]

Thank you very much guys!