Is this normal ?

[Alan Y]

I have recently noticed that my hens are pecking at rach other pulling out feathers especialy around the neck 3 out of my 6 seem to be more featherless around their necks that the others.
Is this just a new pecking order being established or would this be caursed by some kind of mite. Other than this they seem healthy and are I am getting at least 5 eggs a day.

Any help and advise welcome.

Many thanks

Alan

[nick the grief]

Sound like they are falling out a bit Alan. They should be OK just keep an eye on them. If you've got some old cabages hang a couple of these up in the run, that'll take there mind of fighting for a while.

[poultrychat]

The first thing that springs to mind is boredom - you mention a new pecking order, have you just introduced new hens? If you don't think it is boredom then treat for mites just in case or if it is boredom give them some entertainment - dance for them sorry only joking - can their run be increased at all to give them more space or could they be let out to peck around a larger area?

[Alan Y]

The birds run free range in an area of 11 ft x 21 ft it is on two levels as they scratch in what use to be a hebacious boarder made of railway sleepers the full length of the run.
The ground is covered in about 3 " of wood chipping so they can scratch around in and there is an under cover shelter for them to hide in.

I will als scrounge some more old tatts sprouts and cabbages of the allotment guies to feed them.

Cheers

Alan

[Clarea1]

If it carries on you can buy bumpabits from www.wernlas.com. they sit in and on the beak to prevent feather pulling but the bird can still eat and drink, scratch and peck the ground but cannot physically pull feathers. Don't ask me how - trust me it works! One of my girls pulled the new growth feathers from an other so she was bald! it becomes an addictive habit to the bird but can also be a shortage in protein in the diet. I have been feeding dried mealworms to boost the protein in the diet though they got Allen and Page organic layers pellets which in theory should suffice.

Sorry for such a long post!
Clare