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In the 1950's and 1960's when I was a kid my parents had a farm in East Tennessee. The chicken flock consisted of 1 rooster and about 25 to 30 hens. Those chickens were basically feral. Most slept in a hen house where we would shut the door at night but several slept in trees, even in winter when the temperatures got below zero Fahrenheit. Every year some hens would go broody and we would hatch out a bunch of chicks. We got enough eggs to eat plus occasionally sell a few at the small local mom 'n pop grocery store, essentially trading them for groceries. We'd eat several chickens throughout the year.Raising BYC is barely a taste of what our ancestors endured.
Okay... Some time has passed, and I really cannot figure out who the bully is because now more of my hens are missing feathers around their neck area (slightly). My red Sex Link, buff orpington, lavender orpington, and I have not seen again any specific bird pecking feathers. So, here is what I have done for my Oreo that is missing so much feathering on her back. Any comments?I'd look at dealing with the culprit first. What does your set up look like? What do you feed the flock?
Feather picking can sometimes be related to protein levels, but more commonly is a result of boredom or stress.
Have you looked into pinless peepers for the culprit?
What about this?I'd look at dealing with the culprit first. What does your set up look like? What do you feed the flock?
Feather picking can sometimes be related to protein levels, but more commonly is a result of boredom or stress.
Have you looked into pinless peepers for the culprit?
I haven't seen any mites/lice or parasites. How do I determine any parasites?I quickly glanced over the thread again, it's been a while since it was active. My Bard Rock is still around- I didn't give her away and she has lessened her bullying. The SLW is still shabby-looking but finally seems to be getting back some of her feathers.
Have you considered parasites? Some are obvious, but some are almost invisible. Chickens will preen, but if you see excessive scratching, especially around the vent and neck, it may be that they are infected. I've seen hens pecking at other's necks and it was b/c of parasites. As long as the saddle isn't making her a worse target, it will protect the back feathers until they grow back. I don't know how hot it gets where you live, but I wouldn't leave a saddle on if the temps are above mid-80s... chickens' internal temps are above 100 anyway and in extreme heat they can dehydrate quickly.
Check them over real well for mites and/or lice:How do I determine any parasites?