Why are they Pecking one another? Please Help!

[Miss Lydia]

alot of times they will peck on one that looks different, I would keep the coop open during the day so they can go in and out. Also do you have BlueKote? it's a purple spray that will help heal wounds and also cover the wound so hopefully they won't peck on it. You might have to separate from the rest till heals.

 

[Judy]

You can even just throw some pulled weeds or hay or straw in there, or dried leaves, anything that will get them pecking and scratching. I read all the time on here of hanging a cabbage; there was even a thread on how to do it, you can screw a hook into it or just tie some good string around it a few times. Or just chop the thing up a bit and give them some of the pieces. Any greens would do. They had big bunches of fresh collards in our grocery the other day for $2 or $3; that would have kept them busy for days if I'd put it out in small amounts. The rinds and seeds of many fruits and veggies are good, pumpkins or winter squash, watermelon, whatever is around. I can eat a watermelon and they eat everything I leave but the thin dark outside skin.

Maybe some others will chime in with more ideas. I'm just repeating things I remember reading. They entertain themselves when they free range.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have deep litter in my coop so I will even throw some Boss or scratch into the littler to keep them busy and they stir the litter for me.

 

[Clintster]

I'm going to try Blue kote, and some vicks on the wounds once they are healed enough to go back into the coop. I'm also going to try 1 tbsp of vinegar in their water per gallon. I've been doing some pretty detailed research on this lately.
So, once they are healed do I need to re-introduce them to the coop or will the others remember them? I know that they aren't very smart so I'm not sure?

Thanks again everyone and please keep the ideas coming!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have given my ducks goose and chickens ACV since day 1 I Tab. per gallon. I even use it myself very good for you all. you can wait till evening when they have all gone in to roost then slip the ones back into the coop onto the roost.

 

[sjarvis00]

Quote:
If you put the other back into the coop at night there will be less problems with pecking order, but yes if they are out of the coop for a few days then they try to go back thru pecking order again. If you are going to use vinegar, which is good to use, make sure to use ACV(Apple Cider Vinegar) unfiltered or raw.

 

[nwfl]

Even letting birds out for a short time before night roost makes a huge differance. I've used bitter apple after treating wound areas. Blue kote is really something as a wound coat and deterent. But, it looks terrible. I give my layers small granny smith apples or pieces if I can get them cheap when we have bad weather keeping them in.

 

[nwfl]

Looked back over what you have said and it looks like you're giving some high energy treats. Flock blocks are good but have molasses, I believe. Try finding some green grass hay and give some shredded green lettuce each evening. cut back on scratch and carbs give some game bird blend with whole grains and veggie scraps.

 

[Zoey]

how much do you feed ?

Chickens need 2 to 4 pounds of feed to make a dozen eggs, typically 10 hens could consume a 40 LB sack, in a week to week and 1/2...

chickens should be offered enough feed so they don't run out during daylight hours, I use a large hanging feeder, the height of the bottom of the feeder should be hung at the height of the shortest shicken's back, this way it's up off the floor, and they can't scratch it all out ... most people don't realize how much a chicken can eat ..

My 70 chickens easily go through 100 pounds of feed a week !!

the other's ideas are good also, could be boredom ...

 

[chickerdoodle]

OK, you have been given some good ideas.

Boredom certainly seems to be the main issue but I would also suggest adding a bit of extra protein to help stop the pecking too. Chickens will often peck when they feel a need for more protein. Low salt dry cat food (high quality ones with no gluten or by products) if given in small amounts on occasion is fine, mealworms (even the air dried ones sold on line or in some feed stores), any meat leftovers you have or some BOSS.

Another idea is to put up a screen to block drafts in their run so they are more likely to stay outside longer or at least go in and out more frequently. Clear heavy plastic, tarps or scrap wood work fine as a quick fix for now.

I would hope with the greens to peck at (kale or dark leafed lettuce) and some straw or hay to pick through and scratch will relieve some boredom too. I would stick more with oats instead of corn scratch as its less fattening and should still offer the same entertainment factor if tossed in the straw.