Solitary chicken - need advice

[Mrs_B]

I've posted sometimes about my woes with pecking issues. My naughty Atlanta ands Big Sister are a little crazy about being top hen and seem to take it out on eachother and the other two in the flock. This has been going on for a year and really got me down - I tried every spray possible, the run gets changed around once a week, new pecking blocks (also moved around), purple sprays, coats (have worked great) and I even tried bumpa bits last year which worked OK but they still got some feathers (so I think they weren't on perfectly!)

 

BUT the girls had bumpas put on again and my mum put them on for me whilst I held them because I shake due to an illness and everything seems to have improved very quickly. My mum was a star and was so confident putting them on. The chickens seem tamer, and definitely 'happier' - more importantly they are all growing feathers back (it was a sorry site ) and I love seeing Lady growing her black patterned feathers back in tuffs on her neck

 

I am wondering is there anything people recommend to give hens for feather growth? I've got some tuna and I pop tonic in the water, but any other tips would be appreciated

 

x

[mimi5]

Yes Mrs B I know exactly how horrid that is as I've been going through that experience with 2 sisters here Only since the beginning of the year when top hen Florence was sadly PTS. It has driven me mad!!!!! I even got another cockerel.....she's even had a go at him!!!! GRRRR

 

Anyway, enough of me moaning! I believe protein is what is recommended. So yes tuna in water, mealworms, a good tonic, you're probably doing all this! Nettex do a special tonic just for moulting. I haven't used it yet, but will give it a try this autumn.....maybe you could too. I think it's a slow process, regrowing feathers.

[Mrs_B]

Hi, Mimi!

 

What you say sounds familiar actually because I had to bumpa bit Mog who's top Orpington at the same time as the others, she's been acting strange since Audrey was PTS and one day she attacked Floss quite badly and wouldn't stop doing it even after trying to stop her (this prompted me to do all the chooks from both groups). The bumpa bit has really calmed her down and she seems back to her normal self. There's always something with these chooks though, isn't there? Has there been any improvement for you? Have you tried bumpa bits (sorry if i've missed anything I haven't been on here for a little while!) Your poor cockerel - how is he?

 

Will search for the Nettex moulting tonic - thank you

 

x

[Beantree]

We give ours sunflower hearts during the moult as they are an inexpensive source for the extra protein they need. Mealworms are rather expensive and you shouldn't feed meat products if you are going to eat the eggs.

 

We get the occasional feather muncher within our Wyandotte flocks and use Bumpa Bits to stop it. No apparent reason as they have good accommodation and 20 square metres ranging each, so plenty of space.

[gavclojak]

wow look at all that tuna and those expectant little faces...so excited Mmmmmmm

[mimi5]

Thanks for your sympathy Mrs B. I've had my ups and downs with the pekins, but this has definitely been the worse thing to deal with Unfortunately for me it also coincides with my cocker spaniel Willow having been very ill with an acute attack of pancreatitis. She nearly died just before christmas ( Flo top chook was also poorly at the same time!!!) she is slowly recovering, but will always have it, she has also developed spayed incontinence and her life and ours has changed going forwards.

 

So, back to pecking woes!! Can't use bumpa bits as they are all too big!!! Did manage to get some white sort of half bumpa bits, but struggled to get one on Polly and it looked to me like she wouldn't be able to eat as she couldn't close her beak. I was distressed and so was she!!!!!! I took it off. I have separated her in my classic, for long periods. which works for the others......but she is miserable Then my last resort was Mr Max She was gradually introduced with short periods of free ranging. Now they are all in together........just been wormed.......but here's the problem. They are fine when free ranging, but as soon as I put them in the run trouble!!!!!!! I work and so they have to be in the run 3 days a week. As you do, all the usual distractions tried!!!! She slides up all friendly like and quick as you like "pluck" feather gone, usually tail, often when they are perching. Tilly her sister also does it!!!!!

 

Her sister still hasn't much of a tail to speak off, but I think what had re-grown is being removed again They are all apart from Polly nettex anti-peck sprayed (yuck can still smell it!!)

 

Determined to work it out somehow Any ideas ....anyone!

[Chickabee]

The only option is to take her away. Is there another girl that she doesn't peck that could be her friend ?

 

I use black sunflower seeds for everything these days. If your girlie is eating the feathers she might need extra protein. Try no treats too. High carbohydrates such as corn mix can make them a bit scatty. Bread, cake etc obviously has the same effect. Bit like kids with smarties

[jackian]

Two weeks ago I homed for a friend one of her girls (a chalkhill blue ) The reason she had no neck feathers or head feathers. The head feathers are quickly growing .

It was easier than I thought introducing one and it went better than expected . She is still an outsider but it is getting there .As you know it will take a while .None of my girls has ever feather pecked but I found my old girl Clover pecking Blossoms bare neck .She just let her. Gladly no blood drawn but I don't want it to get infected or to start a habit .I have now ordered some anti spray. I have never used it before but have heard a lot about it .

Anything else I can do?

 

Jackie x