Young Hens Pecking Each Other

[ClaraCluckChicken]

Hello!

A little over a month ago I got my first five hens. They were about 12 weeks then (17 now). When I got them four of them were missing some feathers on their tail/lower back area. The lady told me they fight for position at night and that was why but they'll grow out of it. I didn't think much of it. About a week after getting them we added a 1.5 yr old red star to the flock as well...she is definitely the leader of the pack now. But four of the younger ones are STILL pecking eachother and missing tail feathers/lower back feathers. We gave them a new ladder to perch on and a swing thinking maybe they were bored...but they don't use those things and haven't stopped pecking.

Any suggestions? My 1.5 Red Star and 17week BO aren't getting pecked. It is just the two Americaunas, Australorp and Welsummer. And I believe it is those four doing it to each other. I'm not sure how to stop them!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally that behavior begins because of crowding. That's probably what was going on where you got them from. Once picking becomes a habit it can be hard to stop. Make sure your birds are still on a non medicated starter grower just in case it's from a lack of protein.

I would spray the picked on one's with bluekote, put them down while it's still damp so if anyone pecks at it they will get the yucky taste.

You may have to separate out the worse offenders for a few weeks and keep them separately to try to break the habit. Also make sure there's plenty of room for everyone to get away from each other. You didn't mention the size of your set up so I can't say if that is contributing to it.

I would take the pecking seriously, I have seen chickens cannibalize each other, and it's a horrible thing.