Surfin Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 I've noticed on my recently aquired birds that there is a lot of tail pecking going on. 3 of my ladies are dark coloured and it is mainly them that get the main attention. The pecker just lightly picks at the very tip of the tail feathers. the peckee does not look to be bothered by this and almost appears to enjoy the attention. I have given them all a dusting of DE on a just in case basis. I really don't know what to make of this habit. Is it a bonding thing? Do they have an infestation or is it just an annoying habit? You advice would be welcomed. Ian Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Could just be a bit of social grooming. Applying the DE was a good idea, just incase any parasites are present. You could apply some anti pecking spray to see if it will break the habit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
101fc Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Keep a close eye on it just incase it becomes worse. I lost a hen to feather pecking and being very ignorant as a newbie didn't realise what was happening Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
52fish Posted April 21, 2011 Share Posted April 21, 2011 Anti pecking spray - we've stopped using it because they seemed to like the taste. Stopped applying it and the pecking went down to a bit of social grooming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jippy1 Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 Hi Mine too are pecking each others tips of tail , none of them seem bothered, should I be worried and try and stop it, They seem happy enough, not let them out yet only had them for 6 days may let them out later.. How much room do 4 chickens need I have them in a 2metre cube is that ok. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
