Minnie&Moose Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 (edited) One of our new chickens is repeatedly and systematically pulling feathers out of the tail and rump of the other 2 birds and then eating the feathers. She has a preference for the Light Sussex girl who initially was turning on her and chasing her off, but now appears to have given up retaliating. They arrived a week ago as POL but are all young. They're in an eglu with a 3m run on grass, and have a pekka block. Today I let them out into a bigger area, sprayed the Light Sussex with anti-peck spray (which has had no effect), have scattered bird seed all over the area to keep the Leghorn occupied (she's eating more than the others, although she's much smaller and doesn't look anywhere near ready to lay), and still she's feather pulling. I don't think it's a dominance thing though I could be wrong. I get the feeling it's either behavioural, or perhaps a dietary need that's driving her. They're currently on layers pellets and I'm wondering whether the leghorn perhaps needs a bit more protein for a week or 2? This is the first time I've experienced this particular problem so am feeling like a complete novice again Any ideas/suggestions most welcome. Edited July 9, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witzend Posted July 9, 2011 Share Posted July 9, 2011 I've heard that hanging some food just above head height can help - but I've no specific experience x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...