Stubborn feather-picking hen

[welovechickens]

They do have plenty of space....if they'd take advantage of it!

Their coop is 6x6, and their run is 8x8, with an 8'x2' hardwarecloth-framed "tunnel" going out to the run. When it's the least bit chilly out, they just sit in their house.

The picking started during a period of time when we were really busy and unable to let them out for several days, so I know it's boredom. We let them out 2-3 times a day now, but the picking has become a habit. Biddy is so sweet and submissive, she won't "fight back" when her feathers get picked.

 

[meathook]

I just pulled one out of the coop and put her in chicken jail in the garage not 5 minutes ago. I had one hen I know which one I have seen her do it picking the muff and neck feathers off our EE. Well in the last two days two other hens now have no feathers on their chins. I went out to check on them and the culprit right in front of me picked at the EEs face. That was it. She is out for awhile or until I figure out what to do. She is at the top of the pecking order so I am not convinced this will help. Does anyone make chicken chin straps?

I suspect they are bored and having cabin fever. Even though I open the coop up to the run everyday all day they don't come out much with the cold weather. The run is covered so there is no snow in it.

 

[welovechickens]

I ran to the store and got grape koolaid powder.....mixed it with vaseline and slathered it on Biddy's backside. She smells like candy now!

Betty was shying away from the smell, so I hope that's a good sign that she'll quit picking! Of course Betty has really beautiful feathers and they're always in place.....the big stinker! Ha.

 

[DaKid]

I too have notice this behavior in my chickens also but more now during the winter even though they have the run open all day long with is 16 x16 and the coop is 8 x 12 for 18 hens and 2 roo’s .This winter has been the worst last winter only a few had bare bottoms and backs but I notice this year is really bad , I know they are getting plenty of protein and food I feed them layer pellets, black seed sunflower , crack corn , and alfa along with a hand full of rabbit pellets , put there get some wild bird seed, table scraps and Fruits and vegetables , plus greens . Yes there spoiled .

I will have to try ur Mixture of :
two tablespoons of Vick's Vapo-rub (the turpentine oil in it is an additional deterrent) with an envelope of Grape Kool-aid, or Vaseline


and see if that will work if not well looks like pot luck dinner for the full or semi full feather hens .................yep that’s it .....
Alan

 

[welovechickens]

Well, today was the last straw (or the last feather?).

Biddy's backside was picked completely bare. Even all the tiny new pin-feathers were gone.

I had kept her rear slathered in the grape koolaid/vaseline mixture, but I think Betty liked the taste.

Anyway, Betty is going to be separated from Biddy for a LONG time. They'll be out in the yard together while well-supervised by me, but when they're alone in the coop, Betty will be locked up.

The Blu-Kote seemed to work the best overall, and we may start using that again....but honestly I am tired of spraying and smearing stuff on my chicken! The poor thing, she's very good-natured about it, but I am tired of it all. If Betty just won't leave her alone, I'm afraid Betty will have to go live somewhere else....either another home, or to my freezer!

I'd hate to foist her on another flock and have her pick other chickens bare.

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! I really appreciate them.

If you have anymore ideas, please let me know!

 

[gootziecat]

Has anyone tried Bitter Apple? Cage birds feather pluck and that is what people use on them. I just bought a pullet that feather plucks. I hope to find some Bitter Apple to try as I haven't read anything yet that's a sure fire fix.