chitchen1978 Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 We have 4 chickens our blackrock (Morag) has been pecking the others feathers since January. We have tried everything to deter her, anti peck spray, vasaline/vicks vapour rub, giving them more space (they now have 4m by 10m) isolation for 5 weeks to break her of the habit, feeding extra protein (cat food), hanging peck blocks...everything that has been recommended to us we have given a try. The other's bottoms and one chicken's neck are red sore and bald. After the isolation we let her sleep one night with one of the more fiesty chickens, Dolly (a white star). In the morning her new downy regrowth hand gone. Morag has in a few days pucked most of the regrowth from the others. In desparation Morag is now fitted with a beak bit. This seems to be irritating her, she is wiping her beck on the ground and scratching at it (not damaging herself). Does anyone out there have a similar experience? I would rather one chicken is in discomfort temporarily to spare the rest. However, only if it works and only if it doesn't cause any long term damage or stress. thanks for your help! Catherine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KimmyCustard Posted June 18, 2011 Share Posted June 18, 2011 Catherine - I hae exactly the same problem. One of my girls, Marge, has done the same thing to two of the others (I have 5). Both have almost bare base of tails and Bertha has a bald undercarriage. The other two have a few bits off their 'knickers' missing as well, I have caught Marge doing it whilst they are all dust bathing. I have done the peck block thing, DH is extending the run, I have been wracking my brains as to how to make hen toys to keep her amused. I have an American friend who recommended I place a strip of duct tape across the base of their tails, this hides the pink skin and stops any blood being drawn or making the pecking any worse. She advises just waiting for the tape to drop off once it loses its stickyness, we will see! Marge hasnt pecked any more but I'm not sure she has stopped pecking Bertha's undercarriage, it still looks baldy. Another very kind forum member sent me a couple of bumper bits, which I am yet to fit. I'll keep an eye on Bertha and if she gets any balder, then Marge will be 'bumpered'. This doesnt do any damage to the chicken, she wont like it but she will get used to it and it doesnt stop her eating and drinking normally. Stick with it, you're doing the right thing, dont feel guilty!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
