We have 6 laying hens and have noticed in recent days that all but one of them is the victim of pecking, some severe. One hen even has a big open hole on her back! We've applied Blu-Kote to the ones who are injured, but it doesn't seem to be helping. We're rehoming the main aggressor (she's the only one we've seen pecking the others and her tail and feathers are intact) and one other in the hopes that more space will help. We didn't have this issue at all from April through December as they were free-ranging during the day and getting plenty of activity/treats being outdoors. But we've had weeks of foul weather - from ice storms to snow to freezing rain to subzero temps, all of which have resulted in the hens not wanting to come outside at all, and being stuck in a coop with a heater lamp on the bad days. Add to this the fact that the coop we purchased was described as being good for 8-10 hens and is not even close to being adequate for our 6. It's really sad to see our hens hurting each other and we want to do everything possible to improve the situation, so we appreciate any and all feedback we can get here!!
The one that is in good feather condition is your problem. She is feather plucking/eating and has started some of the others in this bad habit. You are correct in assuming that being penned up and bored started the problem. Pinless Peepers might help control or curb the problem. They could then be removed when you can once again free range your birds.
