Chicken bald back

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I have three 24wk old chickens and one 26wk old, was told when I got them at 16 and 18 wk old that they had all been reared together. About a week or so ago the eldest 26wk old started feather picking the others. The worst victim is the 24wk which is the only one laying at the moment. There others have started to squat so it shouldn't be long until they start. The feather pecker just walks around attacking the others now. The rear feathers of the worst victim are looking all torn and very thin in places.

 

I'm new to keeping chickens so not sure if I'm doing something wrong or not providing enough of anything. Is there anything I can do to stop this behaviour?

 

Thanks for the help.

Adam

[Beantree]

Usual problem is boredom and lack of run space Adam. Those issues need to be addressed and the feather pecking habit broken immediately. In my experience anti-peck sprays don't work well and punish the victim because they can't preen without getting a beak full. Bumpa beak bit is what you need and there are recent posts here if you search.

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Thanks for the reply, I'm in the process of enlarging the run space, I hang pecking treat blocks and am looking into scratch mixes for afternoon treat. What is a bumpa beak bit? It's a shame because she is so calm and contented when handled, in fact I think she enjoys being petted when she perches on my lap.

[Beantree]

Might be that the problem disappears when they have a larger run. I my experience 2 m2 each is the absolute minimum for permanent confinement. Even then, depending on temperament, there may be issues. Helps if there is a perch in the run as well, no more than 18" high though. Ours are in about 2m2, although some get more or less. After a few hours they are getting stressed and it is great to see them dash out into their enclosure when the run is opened. Need to be aware that once they have tasted more space they will expect it, so just letting them out into the garden once a week may create more problems than it solves.

[The Dogmother]

A few tips, some of which are highlighted above:

 

Enlarge the run

Stand up some evergreen branches in the corner as a hide

Double up on food and water stations, and position them higher so they have to stretch to reach them; this will angle their tails down and prevent bottom pecking

Isolate the aggressor in a wire pet crate inside he run, with food and water for 2-3 days. Much like a broody cage.

 

If these fail, then a bumpa bit is the answer; much better than nervous, pecked and possibly injured hens.