I purchased 14 chicks on April 28 from Runnings. 10 had arrived that day. 2 Barred Plymouth rocks and 2 Black Australorps, I was told were one week older but I suspect were 2 weeks older. On May 8, we moved all chicks to a 30 inch x 6 ft enclosure that we built and put on our porch with appropriate heat (I am in Minnesota). I changed all the bedding 2 days ago and noticed no issues. Last night I came home after being gone all day (I have out of town guests that I have been busy with) and noticed the tail feathers on one Barnvelder and one Gold Laced Wyandotte have been pecked off.
Since it was later in the evening, I separated the two injured birds together. They seem okay. They are pooping. The area around their vent is red and featherless but does not appear to be bleeding. The entire flock, particularly the older birds, seem stressed.
I need some advice on how to heal the injuries and, as importantly, from preventing this from happening again.
This was unexpected as everything was going so well and is extremely upsetting.
Thanks in advance for your help. Please don't hesitate to give me some tough love if I am blowing this chicken thing.
Since it was later in the evening, I separated the two injured birds together. They seem okay. They are pooping. The area around their vent is red and featherless but does not appear to be bleeding. The entire flock, particularly the older birds, seem stressed.
I need some advice on how to heal the injuries and, as importantly, from preventing this from happening again.
This was unexpected as everything was going so well and is extremely upsetting.
Thanks in advance for your help. Please don't hesitate to give me some tough love if I am blowing this chicken thing.