Vent pecking

[caweis]

We have an 8 week old white leghorn that is still picking at my orphs feathers in her vent area. Despite increasing her protein and moving them outside (free range during the day with supervision) she is still doing it. We separated her (the aggressor) for several days to try to "reset" the pecking order. I am at a loss for what to do. The orph is fine. Just feather missing but I do not want the behavior to escalate. Any suggestions?

 

[Judy]

You could try separating her for at least a week, perhaps longer, where she cannot hear or see the flock, then try thm together again. Orps are typically the ones that get bullied, and Leghorns more likely to be the bullies. It may be they will never live together peacefully.