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K, thought I had the Mother Plucker problem solved. Found Delaware #2 plucking today in the garage coop and noticed new chest feathers missing fm the NHRs. Grrrr. I grab Plucker #2 and head to big coop and noticed Mother Plucker #1 has been VERY busy in the last day and even has plucked the Americanas who hv always been the most territorial! So now I'm extremely torked.
So two pluckers are in a cage lock down by themselves untill I decide what to do. I ordered the pinless peepers, cc's been charged but they haven't arrived yet. In all honesty -- does anyone believe the peepers will solve these hens (especial #1 who is OCP) or do I hv some hens on my hands that I should cull?
Sad thing is Plucker #2 laid a very beautiful rose colored egg yesterday. I know it's her because I am pretty sure she is a Delaware/Americana mix by her color and comb.
Should I cut my feather loss and get rid of these hens (anyone want them?)... or wait for the peepers to arrive? Plucker #2 is not as obsessive as #1 and could hv started out of boredom but I'm doing my dangest to keep them occupied until they have enough plumage to live outside. They are in a large dane cage (5 birds) with a nest box, roost, I visit often w/treats, etc. The NHR's are being assume and are becoming quite excited when I visit and hover by me. I'm wondering if I got a bad trait in the Delawares...? They came as chicks fm "someone's backyard in SL".
Everything I've read on Delawares say they are calm, great birds -- opposite of these. I hv the smallest Delaware, the one that was bleeding she was plucked so bad that is on the mend, SO far shows no signs of a plucker and is slowing coming around to eating fm my hand. Still more scared than the NHR's tho.
HELP?!!! I'm at a loss what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know these gals are meat birds and the two are pretty big girls but the DH says he'd rather gut & process a 900# elk than a chicken again. Advice would be more than appreciated!