What to do with chicken picking out feathers on heads of other hens?

[McGoo]

Is there a cream I can put on their heads to discourage this behavor?? I think I've got a bully in the batch?

,,,or is a sign of something else???

ps. I did find a case of lice which I've treated.

 

[McGoo]

And I forgot to mention that they are laying eggs like crazy, so I don't think the problem is internal. Any ideas on what to do

 

[CMV]

Feather pickers can be discouraged through the use of several products on the market- No Pick/Hot Pick, pine tar, and pinless peepers are just a few of those at your disposal.

Another way of discouraging these behaviors is by removing the culprit and separating her for about a couple weeks. A bully, once removed for a few weeks, becomes a "new" chicken, and must fight for its place in the pecking order. Usually, the "new" chicken is so busy fighting for its spot in the pecking order that it has no chance to be a bully any longer. This is what I would recommend as your first step.

Good luck.

 

[McGoo]

so now I have to keep an eagle eye out for the culprit.

Of course she's probably got all her feathers.... so that helps to narrow down the field. Thanks for the idea.

I've got a pen in the barn where she can go for a few days and still be safe and warm.

 

[wbruder17]

This has been happening to my rooster for months and it is not getting better. I've tried Rooster Booster, which is a coal tar products and it only made the problem worse. Now his head feathers are covered with a thick coating of hardened coal tar and the other hens just keep pecking.

I also tried Blu Cote to no use.

He is a mess and they just keep pulling out his feathers.

I really didnt want to have to do it, but I think I just have to give him away, since its not even just one hen thats doing it.

 

[Judy]

McGoo, since you've been dealing with lice/mites, this could be part of the problem. I have read they can be a pain to get under control. Here's a thread; read the last post:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=6006304#p6006304

 

[McGoo]

Dawn, Thanks for the link. I would like to do everything in my power to avoid using pesticides. Hope there is another way. Any other ideas?

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I've been having this problem as well. My BO has picked all the neck feathers off my BR making her look like a Turken. Haven't found any bugs on her. Have been using Rooster Booster no pick stuff which helps for short stretches. Isolated the BO, but only for 2 days. Haven't seen her doing it as much but she may be doing it at night. Let us know what steps you take and if they are successful, please.