Questions - Trying to cure epic pecking

[ecocheapomom]

We have been battling pecking in our small flock of 8 New Hampshire's for months now. Tried everything - removed pecked on hens and then reintroduced, removed alleged culprit and then reintroduced, use Blue Kote all the time, added alfalfa to their diets for extra protein, hung cabages and so on and so on.
They have decent space inside and plently in the run. I thought it would get better once the snow melted and they could free range more, but I have seen them pecking each other out in the yard as well. All but two have significant bald areas, mainly by the tail and now Bertha, my favorite and the one who has always gotten the worst of it has a spot starting on her neck. Of course, she is my best layer and I think it is starting to get to her.
So what to do? If anyone can answer a few of these questions I would really appreciate any input?
1. My hens don't seem to like the crushed oyster shell, either free choice or mixed with their food. Could that be part of the problem and if I give them enough yogurt with that be adequate calcium?
2. I have read about putting duct tape over the bare skin to give a chance for the feathers to grow in? Thoughts?
3. When getting our next batch of chickens we would like to go with a breed less likely to do this. Any suggestions for a cold-hardy breed with similar laying abilities to NH's that are less aggressive towards one another?
4. If the decision is made to get rid of some birds, should I weed out the pecked or the peckers?

Thanks!

 

[azygous]

This will work, but it's nasty, nasty stuff, and greasy and stinky, and all around awful. Pine tar. Get it at the feed store. It's evil smelling and tastes terrible, and I testify it works on the worst cases. I have a pullet who was picking herself bald on her back, and her pen mates have been assisting her in the process. Since I've been applying pine tar on her bald back for the past several days, all picking has ground to a halt. No one can stand the taste.

It also is an antiseptic so can help help heal wounds. Yours too.

 

[ecocheapomom]

I am willing to try anything. Nasty doesn't bother me, but the pecking is driving me crazy. I may start pecking myself! I will swing by the feed store tomorrow and pick some up. Thanks for the suggestion!