UrbanWestChickens
In the Brooder
- Jul 25, 2023
- 7
- 5
- 11
Hello!
I've been having feather pecking issues for the first time and it's lasted months! We've downsized our flock to see if that would help but I fear it's a habit now and I'm not sure how to snap them out of it. I've noticed it has been worst with my Olive Eggers. They seem like they cannot be entertained no matter how hard I try.
So I'll start from the beginning:
In spring I noticed feathers missing from some of our hens. I watched them closely and would see them just standing around pecking at each other, the Olive Eggers were the worst. Over the next month or so I tried adding more entertainment for them (cds, more perches, pecking toys). I checked for mites and lice too. But I would still notice them pecking and each other and the Oliver Eggers just seemed bored whenever they were in their run (often the mornings and while we weren't home).
Once the weather was better (no more snow) I started consistently letting them out every day from noon/1 until bedtime. I also tried separating the worst aggressor. Just tons of trial and error for another month or so. I also switched us their diet to higher protein during this time. Then in July, after 3+ months, I decided to sell two of our hens.
But it seemed too late, the pecking habit had spread to the others as well and still, the one Olive Egger I have left is the main culprit and my Ameraucanas looks so sad with feathers missing on their necks, chests and wings.
Coop: 12 square feet (and we're building a new one)
Run: 60 square feet
Chickens: 3 (1 Oliver Egger, 2 Ameraucanas)
So I'm left with a couple questions:
1. Any advice on what I should try next? We bought pinless peepers but I can't get myself to put them on her.
2. Are my Olive Eggers just a challenging breed (I think they are a mix of Cream Legbar and Welsummer)? Would love recommendations on the chillest breeds too. Our Ameraucanas are so relaxed.
I've been having feather pecking issues for the first time and it's lasted months! We've downsized our flock to see if that would help but I fear it's a habit now and I'm not sure how to snap them out of it. I've noticed it has been worst with my Olive Eggers. They seem like they cannot be entertained no matter how hard I try.
So I'll start from the beginning:
In spring I noticed feathers missing from some of our hens. I watched them closely and would see them just standing around pecking at each other, the Olive Eggers were the worst. Over the next month or so I tried adding more entertainment for them (cds, more perches, pecking toys). I checked for mites and lice too. But I would still notice them pecking and each other and the Oliver Eggers just seemed bored whenever they were in their run (often the mornings and while we weren't home).
Once the weather was better (no more snow) I started consistently letting them out every day from noon/1 until bedtime. I also tried separating the worst aggressor. Just tons of trial and error for another month or so. I also switched us their diet to higher protein during this time. Then in July, after 3+ months, I decided to sell two of our hens.
But it seemed too late, the pecking habit had spread to the others as well and still, the one Olive Egger I have left is the main culprit and my Ameraucanas looks so sad with feathers missing on their necks, chests and wings.
Coop: 12 square feet (and we're building a new one)
Run: 60 square feet
Chickens: 3 (1 Oliver Egger, 2 Ameraucanas)
So I'm left with a couple questions:
1. Any advice on what I should try next? We bought pinless peepers but I can't get myself to put them on her.
2. Are my Olive Eggers just a challenging breed (I think they are a mix of Cream Legbar and Welsummer)? Would love recommendations on the chillest breeds too. Our Ameraucanas are so relaxed.
