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Help Needed - Hen Pecking Issues

494 views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  usmanahmad16141135  
#1 · (Edited)
I'm relatively new to raising chickens and could use some advice. I have a small flock of six hens, and recently I've noticed some pecking issues among them. One of the hens is getting picked on more than the others, and she's starting to lose feathers and looks mcdtalks.com quite stressed. What are some effective ways to address and prevent pecking issues in a small flock?
 
#2 ·
First, make sure they have enough space. Pecking issues can sometimes stem from crowded conditions. General rule of thumb is 4 sq. feet of space per chicken for the coop, and 8 sq. feet per chicken for run.

If there are bare areas on your hen, you can spray them with Blue Kote. It tastes bad so the other chickens won't continue to peck at it. If you can pinpoint the main bully, it may be necessary to separate her from the flock for a few days as a "reset" of the pecking order.
 
#3 · (Edited)
It sounds like you're doing a great job keeping an eye on your flock. Pecking can be a common issue, especially in smaller flocks where space is limited. Based on what you've described, here are a few steps you can take to help resolve the situation:
  1. Ensure Adequate Space: One of the first things to check is whether your hens have enough room. Crowding can definitely lead to stress and pecking issues. As a guideline, aim for at least 4 square feet per chicken inside the coop and 8 square feet per chicken in the run. If they're feeling cramped, expanding their space might help ease tensions.
  2. Use Blue Kote for Wounds: If one hen is starting to lose feathers and has visible bare spots, consider applying Blue Kote to those areas. This antiseptic spray not only helps protect the wounds but also discourages further pecking by the other hens since it tastes bad.
  3. Isolate the Bully: If you can identify the main culprit, you might need to temporarily separate her from the rest of the flock. This short isolation can sometimes reset the pecking order and reduce aggression when she’s reintroduced.
  4. Distractions and Enrichment: Adding some enrichment to their environment, like hanging cabbage or providing dust baths, can also help by giving them something else to focus on rather than pecking each other.
  5. Monitor Nutrition: Sometimes, pecking can be a sign that the chickens are lacking something in their diet, so ensure they’re getting a balanced feed with enough protein.
By addressing these factors, you should see some improvement in your flock's dynamics. Keep observing them closely, and hopefully, peace will soon be restored among your hens!