I feel a little insane!

[LaurasNew]

I know I have posted almost the same before and I'm sorry but I've followed all advice and I've definitely learned alot on here and hope someone can help. Originally my brahma rooster's feet were being pecked so badly, I coated them etc. Then separated and provided more protein. His legs got SO much better but he was lonely. I bought 2 brahma hens, 1.5 years old. They are perfect with him, managed them for weeks, housework almost deserted! Now, they are all good together but the original 3 hens (one worst of all) do still peck his feet when given the chance! We changed the roost situation to make sure there's is loads of space and got another safe coop too and a another shelter for rain! (My poor husband is a dog person but has bought and installed everything I've thought might help!) Many food and water areas around the coop definitely stop them pecking each other and the hens seem really good together. It's just him! The original 3 hens will make him bleed. One is molting and def sticking with the new group!The 2 new brahmas have never pecked his legs at all! I love them all, even Cybil (the white one) but is it time to get rid of the original 3? I have cats and dogs and 3 teenagers! I'm starting to think chickens might not be for me In Ireland btw

 

[LaFleche]

Pinless peepers will prevent the pecking immediately.

What exactly are you feefing, how much protein does the feed contain?

 

[LaurasNew]

Thanks for your reply. 18% but I give the seeds and scrambled eggs to up the protein.

 

[Daisy June]

Pinless peepers will prevent the pecking immediately.

What exactly are you feefing, how much protein does the feed contain

Pinless peepers will prevent the pecking immediately.

What exactly are you feefing, how much protein does the feed contain?

Is there a topic product that can be applied to the rooster's feet that tastes awful to chickens? If so, that might work. Of course, the peepers should do the trick, too.

 

[Daisy June]

I know I have posted almost the same before and I'm sorry but I've followed all advice and I've definitely learned alot on here and hope someone can help. Originally my brahma rooster's feet were being pecked so badly, I coated them etc. Then separated and provided more protein. His legs got SO much better but he was lonely. I bought 2 brahma hens, 1.5 years old. They are perfect with him, managed them for weeks, housework almost deserted! Now, they are all good together but the original 3 hens (one worst of all) do still peck his feet when given the chance! We changed the roost situation to make sure there's is loads of space and got another safe coop too and a another shelter for rain! (My poor husband is a dog person but has bought and installed everything I've thought might help!) Many food and water areas around the coop definitely stop them pecking each other and the hens seem really good together. It's just him! The original 3 hens will make him bleed. One is molting and def sticking with the new group!The 2 new brahmas have never pecked his legs at all! I love them all, even Cybil (the white one) but is it time to get rid of the original 3? I have cats and dogs and 3 teenagers! I'm starting to think chickens might not be for me In Ireland btw

Don't give up on chicken keeping if you love it! In addition to peepers, I think there is some kind of product that is safe for chickens but very yucking to taste!

 

[LaFleche]

You can spray all their feets with BlueKote, yes - all the hens' feet as well.

 

[Eggcessive]

He is a handsome rooster. I love the looks of the buff brahmas, as I had a couple in the past. I would consider increasing the protein in the feed to a 20% all flock feed. You would also need to provide crushed oyster shell separately for the calcium for the hens. The pinless peepers is something to think about for the 1 or 2 peckers. Menthol which has a bad taste might be used on his feet feathers as an experiment. Generic Vicks is cheap, or common arthritis products have it. I have witnessed my rooster in the past sitting still as others plucked out his beard feathers like he was being groomed. I don’t think that I would get rid of the 3 hens though, but experiment with different treatments.

 

[LaurasNew]

Thank you, my rooster is the same, just stands there and allows it! I am going to look for better food. I've heard mixed reviews about peepers but might have no choice

 

[LaurasNew]

He is a handsome rooster. I love the looks of the buff brahmas, as I had a couple in the past. I would consider increasing the protein in the feed to a 20% all flock feed. You would also need to provide crushed oyster shell separately for the calcium for the hens. The pinless peepers is something to think about for the 1 or 2 peckers. Menthol which has a bad taste might be used on his feet feathers as an experiment. Generic Vicks is cheap, or common arthritis products have it. I have witnessed my rooster in the past sitting still as others plucked out his beard feathers like he was being groomed. I don’t think that I would get rid of the 3 hens though, but experiment with different treatments.

The only feed I can find locally with 20% protein says broiler/chicken starter crumb? Will this do the job? Thanks

 

[dawg53]

Pinless Peepers are the way to go. They are in EBay.