pulling tail feathers out and bleeding,,HELP!! PLEASE!!!

[kabaluch76]

I'm new to raising chickens. I have 27 3 1/2 week old chicks, various breeds. I found one dead this morning, and now I have 5 in separate boxes because of bleeding and they are pulling their own tail feathers out and of course once the others see it, they start pecking too. I don't know what to do to stop it? I have called every where asking for a spray or something, it seems to be the light colored ones, the BO and NH reds. So far the BR and Wellies and Golden Wyandottes seem ok. Any help would be greatly appreciated, I don't want to lose all my girls! Thank you!

 

[sourland]

This frequently starts with chicks that are overcrowded and bored. Are you sure that they have enough space?

 

[kabaluch76]

I have separated them now, and also saw online to put Vicks on their tail, seems to be working.

Looking at a way to entertain them, may go to tractor supply and get a block of feed for them to peck at.

 

[MEchickenfarmer33]

chicks will do that when they are overcrowded and have nothing to do. I would try giving them things to do like put dog toys or stuff in there to entertain them. I also brought my chicks outside when they were younger to forage on bugs. be prepared to catch them all though!!!!! Ive read about the vicks too and it sounds like a good choice so keep doing that. hope your problem is resolved soon