Wing damage.

[Chickenclaude]

I made an apron thinking it would cover where the girls are pecking ...but no go. Anyone have an idea how to cover the top mid point of the wing? Without I pleading their ability to flap?

 

[aart]

I think you mean a saddle....that protects the birds back from mating damage?
They do make them with flaps to cover the part of wing that gets wear too.

But for pecking from other birds, might be best to find the cause and correct it.
It's often caused by a lacking diet and/or crowding.

 

[Chickenclaude]

I made an apron thinking it would cover where the girls are pecking ...but no go. Anyone have an idea how to cover the top mid point of the wing? Without I pleading their ability to flap?

I think you mean a saddle....that protects the birds back from mating damage?
They do make them with flaps to cover the part of wing that gets wear too.

But for pecking from other birds, might be best to find the cause and correct it.
It's often caused by a lacking diet and/or crowding.

The oldest hens are so timid and sweet and when the RI reds got bigger they peck at them...right now I’m trying to free range them longer bec they push them away from the feeder now too. Any other ideas to Try?

 

[Chickenclaude]

Thank you

 

[aart]

The oldest hens are so timid and sweet and when the RI reds got bigger they peck at them...right now I’m trying to free range them longer bec they push them away from the feeder now too. Any other ideas to Try?

Need to find the problem first.
How many birds and what ages?
How big is coop and run, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help here.
What all and how exactly are you feeding?
Pics of wings/feather damage wold help too.

 

[Chickenclaude]

6 hens. The victims are the oldest by 6 months. Coop is 2 story. 8’ x 4’ plus a run of 10’ x 4’ and they free range 1-3 hrs a day. They have a pellet for layers supplemented by veg and fruit scraps from the kitchen.

 

[aart]

6 hens. The victims are the oldest by 6 months.

This is not very clear.
The oldest birds are 6 months old....and younger birds are attacking them?
Were the younger birds(how many?) recently added?

Coop is 2 story. 8’ x 4’

So coop and run combo...upper story is coop?
This is where pics are most helpful.

They have a pellet for layers supplemented by veg and fruit scraps from the kitchen.

Are all birds laying?
Will guess that your layer feed is 16% protein...
...and the scraps are diluting the nutrition of the feed.

 

[Chickenclaude]

4 chickens are 2 yrs old. 2 are 6 months older. (2 1/2)
Coop has a run underneath, yes. In addition I use a tractor that I move around. There is plenty of room for 6 hens. Plus they free range 2 hrs/day.
They are fed supplemented layer pellets. They finish what I Put out. (I’m in a rural area where I cannot leave food sitting or I’ll be attracting pests) Veg/scraps are fed AFTER pellets. I usually use the veg to get them to return to the house after free ranging.
I believe that when the older girls molted ? that’s what started this.?

 

[aart]

I believe that when the older girls molted ? that’s what started this.?

Could be.
They need more protein and should have feed available every hour they are awake.
Put the feeder in a protected place to reduce wildlife eating it.
Might think about a treadle feeder.

 

[Chickenclaude]

Thanks.