Recently our coop has looked a little bit like the horror movie Carrie. I have 12 hens, all different kinds. The white hens are getting the feathers pecked off on the back of their head to the point they are a big ol' bloody mess, (kind of like that scene in Carrie at the end...all the blood...) Now, I know this could be the roo getting a little excited with them, although I don't know why all of a sudden it would be different then before...and why just the white hens? Is it something else? Does he peck at them and then the other hens see blood and then peck at them too? I've obviously separated the white hens who are bloody..but was just curious because I haven't ever seen anything like this.
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken. -Oscar Wilde
Once they see blood they will pick relentlessly. You will have to keep them separated till it heals up. Why just the white ones...hmmm...dont know. Is it maybe cause its just showing up quicker on the white ones and the others see it faster? I hope you can get it resolved soon. Laura
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly. - Dalai Lama
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Yes to the pine tar mentioned in the link. I've had great results with the pine tar for any type of wound on my flock that I don't want the others to peck at.
A mild iodine wash if needed (75% water, 25% iodine), and then a good coating of pine tar. Pine Tar can be bought at a feed store with the products for horses feet.
Alicia Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.~Ralph Waldo Emmerson www.blondenak.blogspot.com
white hens, bloody heads
Posted - Dec 14 2012 : 3:26:50 PM
