my husband was cracking up this morning watching our two polish hens have a stare down contest and then a little fight... chicken antics. the polish are odd balls, compared to the other chickens we have.
Did you know I just ordered another batch of silkie eggs? She's making sure I get an overabundance of splash, paint and lavenders this time, since i'm partial to those.
I had a chick who had this. I cut it off close the body once it was dry to prevent them from pulling on it. I was worried if I left the string, it would pull the intestines out.... the rough way chicks are, I didn't trust it being left alone. The baby is fine now!
I would definitely just breed for resistance. There's a reason wild birds do so well. The weak die off, and those who survive, and live, breed healthier off spring over time. This is the best way to have a healthier flock of chickens, too.
That's weird, my white silkie adopted a baby after her mate died, and we had no issues. I am not sure i'd blame stella, and maybe blame something else unrelated especially with no pecking or wounds present.