My friends and I are starting our first flocks. So far so good. Until this week. Her most dominate hen, (a brown Americauna named Chirpa), is now being pecked by what we thought was the least dominate hen. (A light cream Americauna, named Sadie) The problem is that Chirpa's feathers are being pecked out. We have had to get some ointment to apply to her skin.
Does this behavior stop? Do they get used to the new pecking order? It was recommended that she watch them and spray water at Sadie. So far that has not helped.
Any help will be appreciated.
Change in Pecking order..Help!
I've had a similar problem with roos. Are they in an enclosed space together? It seems to be much worse if the pecked on one can't get away. I had a Delaware that chased my second in command Orpington around the yard--but she could always get away.
I wonder if something is missing in their feed.
We have 2 flocks, one is mostly Americauna & assorted other breeds. Even a couple banties. Maybe 50 or so in that flock.
The other flock are the Gold Star layers. 121 in that flock.
We have never had any pecking going on in either flock. We feed a complete egg mash that we buy from a local dealer. They blend it themselves. Not sure what all is in it, but it sure produces eggs. Last Sunday we kept track of the Gold Stars. The 121 birds gave us 120 eggs!
The other flock isn't quite as productive because some of them are older.
Usually get between 12 & 14 dozen a day.
Good luck with the pecking.
Bernie
Not enough space can contribute to pecking one another and lacking enough protein in their feed can also cause it. Try adding a little protein and see if it helps.
CountryGardens what all is in that egg mash, can you find out?
This message was edited Jun 21, 2009 9:17 PM
There's a tag on it. Mostly corn & soybean meal. I think it's 17% protein. I'll look at the tag tomorrow.
I plan on getting it in bulk shortly to save on all the paper bags. I am going to see if they can add flax seed to it. That will give us Omega3 eggs. Supposed to be better for the health!
Bernie