Pullet Getting Picked On

[ninnymary]

I have 3 young pullets that are 2 months old separated from my other hens. They have been raised together since day 1. Yesterday, I noticed that one of them had her tail feathers pulled out and was bleeding. I noticed that both of the other two pecked her. She also seem to peck herself but I think she was just preening. After cleaning her up, I separated her from the other two.

By the next day she looked much better and pretty much healed. I have some questions.

Do hens peck themselves like that, to the point of making themselves bleed?

I'm hoping that in 2 weeks she will be totally healed and feathers back in. I want to put her back with the other 2 but I'm afraid that they will peck her again. Will they repeat their behavior?

It will be at least 2 more months before I can integrade all three with the rest of the flock. I'm hoping that establishing the pecking order won't draw more blood.

Any advise, suggestions?

Mary

 

[TheSeedObsesser]

Two or three possibilities... I think.

1. The hens are too crowded, probably pretty hard to do with just three birds.


2. They're not getting enough protein in their diets, this can lead to feather pecking. Try giving them scraps of raw meat, egg might be even better (more protein).

or

3. The hens are simply downright bored, this can also lead to feather pecking (kind of like when humans bite their nails). Try hanging a couple of biscuits from string in the coop. They'll get a lot of entertainment out of that.

Most likely is probably #2. But I'd hang a few biscuits up anyway.

 

[lesa]

It is so hard to understand critters, sometimes. You have done the right thing to separate her. I had one pecked right down to the meat on her back- after our very long winter. Brought her in, and she healed right up. No problem after I put her back. But, my birds are free ranging in a large area (which they won't do in winter). I agree with TheSeed- boredom and crowding are probably at play. Good luck!

 

[baymule]

It is a chickens physiology to peck. That is what they do. More protein like SeedO said, and something for them to peck. Frozen watermelon rinds, cantaloupe peelings, cucumbers, these are a treat for them and they will probably eat them up. If there is a little of the outside of the watermelon rind left, I know you will add it to the compost pile. I float dry dogfood in a pot of water and they go into a frenzy for it.

 

[ninnymary]

Are they to young to be given B.O.S.S.?

Mary

 

[so lucky]

I bet they will eat BOSS just fine. I'm trying to remember how big mine were at two months. Are you giving them sand or fine grit yet? You want to make sure they have grit before you feed them hard food.
Just be careful that you don't keep her isolated from the other girls so long they forget her, then you have to do the introduction routine again. Can they see each other? Do you have any blu-kote to use if she gets picked on again? Will she have a place to escape from the other girls when she gets put back in with them? (behind a shrub or a board, etc)

 

[baymule]

BOSS is a great treat, but it will not keep them busy for very long. Unless you grew BOSS and cut the seed head, dried it and gave them the whole thing. I have never used it, but I read about Flock Block on BYC. I think you can get it at Tractor Supply or someplace like that. It is compressed feed and treats for chickens and they can peck on it.

 

[Nyboy]

Chickens have a pecking order, the bottom hen might always be bullied. When they freerange that hen can hide.

 

[canesisters]

I agree - toys and a protein boost. My girls get an occasional omelet from old eggs and a can of tuna. OMG! They get dangerous charging in for that!
Toys can be anything that they want to eat provided in a way that makes it hard to get at. One of my favs is a head of cabbage skewered on a coat hanger and hung JUST above their heads. Turns into an hours long game of "tether ball". Some folks get suit holders (the little wire cages) and put treats in them - nailed to a tree, it will keep them busy a while. You might also want to consider building a grazing frame. Basically a little raised garden bed planted with grass or greens and covered with tightly pulled hardware cloth. They can 'harvest' anything that grows through the wire but can't clean it to the dirt.

 

[ninnymary]

so lucky, the pullet is separated by chicken wire so they can see each other. I don't want her to be separated for too long because of the reintruduction. Unfortunately, they are in a small enclosed area and there is no room to hide or run if one gets pecked. I once used blu-kote and I didn't think it really worked.

Right now they are only on chick starter that's why I wasn't certain about the b.o.s.s. I was more interested in giving them boss for the additional protein than for something to keep them busy. I would have to put in a dish of grit if I give them boss.

Nyboy, I know there will always be a hen at the bottom of the pecking order. I don't mind her getting picked on but I sure do not want any bleeding where I have to constantly separate her for her to heal. There is no room for free ranging here. They are all in an enclosed coop and small run. I Can't remember the size but it is definitely at least the recommended 4 sq. ft. per bird.

I just didn't expect this problem from my pullets. I thought it could happen when they get integrated. I'm just so frustrated to have this happen. She is my speckle sussex that I have tried 3 times before to raise. Ugggg

Mary