Feather PeckingFeather PeckingI got 8 new Point-of-Lay hens in June They were all reared together from chicks and were not feather pecked when I got them. Since then they all peck at each other and eat the downy feathers. They have good quality layers pellets , grit and have about 36 cubic metres of space with things to perch and play with . Also plenty of coop space and 4 nest boxes . I have tried anti peck with no success Any suggestions Thank you Melly
melly
Re: Feather PeckingHi
It seems like diagnosis is probably the best way to go here. The things which come to mind are... Broodiness - they sometimes peck to build nests Pecking order - they may still be forming their society. Boredom - You have a large enough Run though. There's no real solution normally. Unless there's blood being shed it's probably not wise to separate any - just yet. How long has it been going on for? They're about 6 - 7 months old so still maturing so to speak. Richard New Member? Get more from the Forum and join in 'Members Chat' - you're very welcome
Re: Feather PeckingThank you for your reply
It's really strange as they are all pecked in the same pattern from halfway down the back to their tails and also their underneaths It started as soon as they got here and no one so far has gone broody. They are all laying daily too I suppose I am worried that when it gets colder they might get freezer burn on their unders Also they look so unkempt I might get reported to the poultry police !!!! Melly melly
Re: Feather PeckingHi
If they are eating the feathers as opposed to pecking or pulling them, then perhaps they need a protein boost. Dried mealworms are good. Another thought - have you checked them over for mites or lice? Karen
Alpha chick to: Smudge, Matisse and Bluebell Chief servant to Marley the cat Remembering Weeps, Rexie, Sage, Cassie, Toffee, Captain Gabby, Commander Nugget, Ronnie, Juno, Special Poetry and Reading Casper, Tigger, Tophenanall Rembrandt, Chestnut, Tiddly, Willow, Mango, Coco, Dorian Grey and Pokey. Also my lost furries Charlie and Jasper Re: Feather PeckingNo mites or lice that I can see
I have mealworms but thought that layers pellets were ' complete ' Will try mealworms Thanks Melly melly
Re: Feather Pecking
Spot on Feathers are very high in protein so if they're being eaten it can be a sign of protein deficiency. Marriages pellets have a higher protein content than most shop bought ones. Mealworms are good (but very expensive to give in quantity), scrambled egg is good (don't give raw eggs as it may encourage egg eating), tinned tuna or sardines. When we had this problem, I made up a big bowl of warm mash in the mornings and added sardines, a scoop of dried seaweed (high in protein) and poultry spice (to help with regrowth) - it did really seem to help. http://www.cotswoldchickens.com/organic ... -750-p.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; Lucy x
Always do sober what you said you'd do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut - Ernest Hemingway
Re: Feather PeckingRichard New Member? Get more from the Forum and join in 'Members Chat' - you're very welcome
Re: Feather Pecking
One thing to note, 36 cubic metres is very different to 36 square metres! Re: Feather PeckingThank you for your reply
I know there is a difference between square metres and cubic metres , but I did build the enclosure so I am sure of the space available Mellya melly
Re: Feather PeckingHi Melly
How are things with the feather pecking? Are they still doing it? Karen
Alpha chick to: Smudge, Matisse and Bluebell Chief servant to Marley the cat Remembering Weeps, Rexie, Sage, Cassie, Toffee, Captain Gabby, Commander Nugget, Ronnie, Juno, Special Poetry and Reading Casper, Tigger, Tophenanall Rembrandt, Chestnut, Tiddly, Willow, Mango, Coco, Dorian Grey and Pokey. Also my lost furries Charlie and Jasper
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