Feather Pecking

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mellya
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Feather Pecking

Post by mellya »

I 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

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Richard
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by Richard »

Hi

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 )t'
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mellya
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by mellya »

Thank 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
mellya
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by mellya »

Forgot to say
No blood shed fortunately
Melly
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KarenE
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by KarenE »

Hi

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
mellya
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by mellya »

No mites or lice that I can see
I have mealworms but thought that layers pellets were ' complete '
Will try mealworms
Thanks
Melly
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Mad Chick
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by Mad Chick »

KarenE wrote:Hi

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?


Spot on )t'

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


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mellya
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by mellya »

Thank you
Will try those things too
Melly
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Richard
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by Richard »

)t' )t' )t'

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scbk
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by scbk »

mellya wrote:and have about 36 cubic metres of space with things to perch and play with


One thing to note, 36 cubic metres is very different to 36 square metres!
mellya
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by mellya »

Thank 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
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KarenE
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Re: Feather Pecking

Post by KarenE »

Hi 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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