Tuesday, June 8, 2010

AA

Hello, my name is Pearl and I am a feather pecker. My human mom is looking for a twelve step program for me, is there anyone out there who would be willing to sponsor me? I have overheard the words "chopping block" I admit I need help, Thank you.

11 comments:

Lisa said...

Hi Julie. I tried the Blu-Kote (we have emailed regarding this) and it did not completely solve the problem. (But I have learned that my hands look lovely in shades of blue/purple...)

I am now trying black oil sunflower seeds in the feed tray. It may be helping a bit and it might be worth for you to try.

If not, is there any way during the day time that you could separate Pearl from the rest of the flock and put her in with one of the "alpha hens"? An alpha hen would most likely put Pearl in her place if she attempted to take any feathers!
Lisa

Ali said...

Rut ro.... Don't have any answers here. Good luck!

Kathy in KY said...

I think the first step of AA is the admittance that you are powerless in controlling your feather pecking by yourself - time to look to a Higher Power, Miss Pearl! LOL Take care, from KY.

Leigh, Andrea Leigh Gil said...

We ran into this problem afew months back... turns out we had a mite issue. Try D.E. May help. Good Luck.

Flat Creek Farm said...

Awwww, Pearl, you're too cute to be such a pain to your flock :) I'm just sure one of my new babes will turn out to have this "issue" as well... so I await to see all the advice. Good luck! -Tammy

Eve said...

Here...foxy foxy foxy....maybe that'll work! ;-)

Razzberry Corner said...

Aww, she is pretty. I don't have any answers. I am still learning new things about chickens all the time. So far, I have had no feather picking problems in adults. I always sprinkle a lttile DE in the coop when I clean it, heard that would take care of any bug issues.

I did have an issue on a small chick where the other chicks pecked her bloody, all because she was yellow and a black feather grew in on her wing. Everyone thought that black feather had to go, as did almost half her wing. She ended up living in the house for a bit until she healed. I learned birds can be vicious!

Keep us informed!
~Lynn

Rural Rambler said...

Thank Heavens it isn't Pip :) You know I am partial to Pip.

DayPhoto said...

Check for mites, mites just might be the issue. A lack of a mineral may also be a problem. I rather doubt both of these are you are a very concerned and involved chicken Momma, but worth a try. You might also get a peck block. Or hang a cabbage from a rope in the chicken house like a tether ball. Lots of times chickens pick up bad habits because of boredom.

Keep us informed. Oh, and don't feed the fox, it will come back for the rest of them.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

Farm Girl said...

I am having the same awful problem too. I have just been keeping them separate. I am at my wits end. My daughter who has been the chicken guru longer than me says, they are not getting enough protein and when they pull feathers they are eating the blood that is on the end. (sorry that is just gross.) She said to add some cat food to their diet. It has worked in the past, I just think my hens get bored and they pull feathers for fun. I am at the same place saying things like I am going to sharpen the ax.

Pondside said...

You're half way there by admitting you have a problem, Pearl!