Ames123 Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 Hi everyone, We've had four chickens forabout a year and a half now. Recently we have noticed one of the chickens going after the other and pecking at her. The littlest chicken,who is being pecked at, has gone abit bald on top and the skin underneath looks abit sore. We have seperated her for a couple of days just so her feathers grown back and the scabs heal over. Is this the correct thing to do? I am now worried that when I put her backin the coop, the same thing will happen. She has also gone very bald on her chest but as the skin does not look sore at all I assume she is moulting? Her comb is not as red as the others. Now the little one has been seperated-living in the kitchen!-I've noticed her almost gasping but making no sound. Shes sort of opening and closing her mouth rapidly. Is this normal? Any advice you can offer would be really appreciated. I dont know anyone that can help and I live in London N20 and have contacted all the local vets previously and none are experienced in poultry! Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted July 15, 2010 Share Posted July 15, 2010 You have done the right thing by separating her as chickens don't know when to stop once they draw blood. I can guarantee she will be at least picked on, if not attacked, if you put her back with the others because they will probably have forgotten who she is by then and it will be three against one. A lot of people here swear by bumper bits, so I'll let them advise .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ames123 Posted July 19, 2010 Author Share Posted July 19, 2010 Thank you Jools! I'm fairly new to keeping chickens so I worry so much if I think something is up! Do you think its right now her scabs have cleared up to put her in with the other-havent seen them pecking at her- and isolate the bully for a day or so or will that make matters worse? Chicken psychology isnt as easy as you would think! Thanks for any help Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 Isolating the bully is a good idea. Keep her apart for a few days, or longer, so that the others can learn to get on, and the bully will return at the bottom of the heap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ames123 Posted July 20, 2010 Author Share Posted July 20, 2010 I will do! When I let her out for a run around yesterday she ran straight over to Betty 'the victim' and pecked her! The other two arent bothered by her and dont peck or get pecked at. I'm finding it really upsetting because its happened suddenly and where they used to go strutting round the garden like a little gang, they are now pecking at each other and having to be isolated! One thing I have noticed is that a couple of them have gone bald along their breast bones. Is this mites? and could this be why one is pecking at the others? I've given them a good dusting with mite powder Thank you for any advice you can give Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ames123 Posted July 21, 2010 Author Share Posted July 21, 2010 I've decided to take action! I've now taken to standing in the garden with all the chickens and everytime the bully goes for Betty and pecks her, i throw a little water on her. Its mean I know, but Im at my wits end! She pecked at her 7 times in an hour last night. It shouldnt take her too long to get the idea that if she pecks, she'll get wet-and she doesnt like it! Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ames123 Posted July 21, 2010 Author Share Posted July 21, 2010 If my computer skills are up to scratch-unlikely!- you should see some pictures ofThe 'Bully' Penelope, The 'Victim' Betty,and the damage to her poor pecked at head. Not sure about the last one one, her crop has gone completely bald! I have checked her for mites and I'm pretty certain she hasnt got any. Can anyone help with this!? http://twitpic.com/photos/Amesm1 Thanks! Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted July 21, 2010 Share Posted July 21, 2010 Poor Betty she doesn't look too bad - if it looks really red you could spray with purple spray (Pets at Home or even your local petshop should stock it). If you are desparate for a vet one day and St Albans is not too far - Heath Lodge vets are brilliant with chooks and don't charge a stupid amount Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ames123 Posted July 21, 2010 Author Share Posted July 21, 2010 Fab! Thank you. No where is too far for my girls in an emergency! Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
