Hen pecked

[Admin]

I don't suppose there's any remedy for birds that are being pecked bloody, aside from separating them? I been noticing a good amount of my hens are losing feathers on their lower back just above the tail. Tonight I saw one that was actually bloody there and getting gang pecked. It pisses me off to have to kill the one that is being hammered on but I don't see her getting better unless I separate them which I don't have room for. I have a feeling my chicken raising is coming to a close and more Uncle Jim's Spicy garlic chicken sandwiches will be on the menu here shortly. I could use another woodshed anyways.

[determinator]

Can't speak from any knowledge, JC. Maybe best to move on to greener pastures. Just sayin...

[determinator]

Last comment. This topic, with regard to the topic of astrology. It is the time to end things. The Moon continues to shrink, and things are coming to a close. New things will start up fairly soon. Go with your impressions. ;D

[patricimo54]

I can't remember what type of birds you have JC, but if you have red chickens they are real bad about pecking the weaker ones. I got rid of mine and bought Buff Orpentons, what a difference.

[Deleted]

As Pat mentioned, you may need to get a different variety on your next batch. Unless you let them free range, there's not much you can do

[Admin]

Yeah I've heard that freeranging them would probably be the remed but I don't feel like chickenproofing my gardens and all that. Plus I live in the woods and I'd most likely lose several to predation.

Pat, My birds are a Rhode Island Red cross. Mama read about some stuff called "Bluecoat" that you put on the pecked out area to hide the RED and it also aids in the healing. I'll give that a go for now. I think if I raise any more birds it'll be short stints with meat birds and use the shed for storage the rest of the year. I enjoy the birds but I really don't like being tied to anything. Sometimes even having a dog is too much.

[TRAPnHUNT]

When we penned up pheasant in the past, we had put blinders through the beaks which stopped them peeking eachother to death.

[determinator]

I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of those spurs on them pheasants, either. Interesting about the blinders... ;D

[nytrapper23]

May 5, 2013 12:52:49 GMT -5 TRAPnHUNT said:

When we penned up pheasant in the past, we had put blinders through the beaks which stopped them peeking eachother to death.

same here with the pheasants.they will go a long time without bothering each other then all the sudden they start,and once one starts forget it ,they all start.the blinders is what I had to do also.

[determinator]

I should have had some blinders when I was married...

[barkspud]

Interesting info guys...I here you JC on the not being tied down. MrsB and I just had that conversation. Our children will all be gone for the summer and we have two dog that need to travel with us. We was ready to get our chickens and maybe a few pheseant. I have the pens all ready but we are so buisy not sure about being able to tend them. Great info though guys incase i do get them....

[treestand13]

I'm in the process of taring down my fencing for this same reason just seemed like it was just one more thing I had to tend to/keep up with. I have cleaned out the old coop and the lean-to that the pigs were in and I'm using it for storage as well. Good luck JC

[flyguy]

Chickens will peck for a number of reasons. They can be: too hot, too crowded, not enough fresh air or short of feeder or waterer space, or to establish the "leader" of the flock. To stop it, try fresh grass clippings, weeds, and lettuce in the pen. In cold weather, fresh hay works. Darken the hen house. As a last resort you can debeak, cutting 1/3rd of the top bill & just the tip of the bottom bill by using the Debeaker/Trimmer (dog nail clippers) Other products offered to help prevent this problem are: blinders, antipick lotions or sprays

Hang a head of cabbage,cauliflower,broccoli, suet blocks from the ceiling seems to help

www.mysnazzychickencoop.com/

[Jack of all Trapping]

May 5, 2013 7:29:26 GMT -5 Admin said:

Yeah I've heard that freeranging them would probably be the remed but I don't feel like chickenproofing my gardens and all that. Plus I live in the woods and I'd most likely lose several to predation.

Pat, My birds are a Rhode Island Red cross. Mama read about some stuff called "Bluecoat" that you put on the pecked out area to hide the RED and it also aids in the healing. I'll give that a go for now. I think if I raise any more birds it'll be short stints with meat birds and use the shed for storage the rest of the year. I enjoy the birds but I really don't like being tied to anything. Sometimes even having a dog is too much.

Always wanted to try raising chickens, but didn't want to be tied down to them. Probably the reason I didn't get another dog. LOVE DOGS, but like being able to just GO when I want without no worries. I will continue to buy my eggs from the farmer down the road I guess! Sorry for your problems JC !!

[ninedeer]

what flyguy said ;D,amd that Blue coat does help JC.I keep a couple cans handy around the farm.

[determinator]

Some very informative suggestions, flyguy. Distracting them with food...that works in my case, too!

There was a time, not so long ago, when I had numerous critters of many different persuasions. Chalk it up to my obsessive nature, I suppose. If one is good, twenty is better!

I know about having a dog(s). They are very high maintenance. I suppose you get out of them what you put into them. My turtle and catfish are very low maintenance. I don't think I'll get another dog, but I did enjoy them when I had them.

[cam]

May 6, 2013 8:15:44 GMT -5 flyguy said:

Hang a head of cabbage,cauliflower,broccoli, suet blocks from the ceiling seems to help

Along these lines, there's also those "flock blocks"...like mineral blocks with grain and stuff in em. Throw one of those in their run and they'll peck on that constantly. Cuts down on feed also since they have a snack in there.

[Admin]

All good replies guys ;D Thank you.

I put some grass clippings in the pen and will continue on with stuff like that. I can be easily distracted with food too and that is clearly evident by the appearance of my keyboard.

[determinator]

Food works for most things!

Then, there's always BACON...

[mitrapline]

Hey JC,

I've had really good luck with the Isa Browns. They are brown egg layers (fantastic rich eggs) and not very aggressive toward each other. The down side: the Isa Browns taste terrible. They are definitely NOT meat birds. Don't give up on the chickens.......maybe just not the right variety for your needs. Hope this helps.

[minktracks]

Get rid of the bully. There is always a ring leader.

[outlaw570]

Iv had real good luck with a fryi :(ng pan. Lol