Pecking

[Anonymous]

HI all I have recently bought six hens and they live in a 10 x 6 ft outside area plus a similar sized inside house. They have been with us nearly three weeks and all is fine apart from one of them is pecking two of the others and one inparticular. The lady we bought them from suggested putting Vick vaseline around the area to stop it pecking but this seems to have only worked for a few days before it has started again. The hen which is being pecked is also seemingly trying to clean off the vick but not showing any signs of ill health thankfully. Any suggestions would be gratefully received. I don't have another area to put the 'pecker' into before anyone suggests this. I have also read vinegar in the water can be a deterrent?
Many thanks

 

[ncotb]

Separate the bully utilising the space you have ie a small pen inside your run & say a cat basket in your hut at night, she will still be able to see them & vice versa. Wont hurt for a week or so, then gradually reintroduce her & hopefully she may have stopped the pecking. 07

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for this but I don't have any outside area to put the pecker into. Also this morning I now have the added worry of the bird being pecked now staying mainly inside and not looking happy. Now do I seperate her or the pecker?? This is getting very concerning please can anyone suggest anything?

 

[Anonymous]

Further update - have now seperated the pecker and placed inside a pet carrier and placed this inside the run. Had to do something as she just wouldn't leave the other bird alone. Still would appreciate any advice/help that can be offered as I am new to this and am very concerned.

 

[foxy]

With pecking it easily becomes a habit and very difficult to break. Distractions can help, hanging cabbages, scattering corn, make sure they are not overfed so have to forage and scratch around as nature intended. Pecking is usually attributed to lack of space, boredom, lack of protein or intial pecking order squabbles. As NCOTB mentioned separation helps and separate the bully which works by changing the dynamics of the pecking order. One other option is to buy anti-pecking bits or bumper bits as they are also called available from the Domestic Fowl Trust. There are some specialist sprays also available, but tbh I haven't heard that they are terribly effective and stink to high heaven! One thing always to watch out for is any blood drawn, chooks can turn pretty nasty at the sight of blood. hth