[300AJC]

Hello,

I have done a few searches rather than just wade in with a question (they don't like that on the Land Rover form I also use!) but I can't seem to fine a definitive answer, so here goes....

I have six former battery hens. They seem healthy, happy and all get on well. However, they have taken to Pecking at each other's tail feathers, not aggressively and none of them seem to mind it being done. Are they just preening each other? Should I be concerned or is this just normal behaviour?

If it helps, they don't seem to get bored. They get the run of the garden during the day. They don't bully each other and I haven't spotted any creepy crawlies. I spray the coop when I clean it at weekends.

I'm sorry if this is a much asked question but, as I mentioned, I searched but couldn't find a common answer.

Thanks in anticipation.

Andrew

[PaulineM]

Hi
One of my Isa hens loves to peck at the my other hens. Not aggressively I may add but quite firmly, the other hens are quite happy to let her. I think she see's flecks of dirt on them and thinks she is removing lice 

[jhub]

Hello,
Have found this thread by Casey, hope it helps.
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=89079.msg990343#msg990343

[300AJC]

Thanks jhub. They seem happy enough, no bullying or bleeding. They have a daily diet of layer pellets with a corn mix, plenty of water. One feeder usually has a tonic in it, the other just water and they gobble up veg waste etc.

I'll keep an eye on them and report any changes. 

[jhub]

Just to clarify are you mixing layers pellets with corn as it's not clear from your post? If so the they will eat the corn in preference and this  should only be given as a treat later in the day. If I've got this wrong then I'm sorry if ' I'm teaching my grandmother to suck eggs' so as to speak.

[300AJC]

Sorry for the delay jhub. It's mixed together In their feeder and they eat the lot.

Is that not ok? I'm not too experienced with keeping chickens having had them for less than a year. Hence joining the forum.

[kegs]

Corn is a treat and will fill them up too much so try just sprinkling an egg cup amount per bird at the end of the day when they've had their fill of pellets.  See if that makes a difference to their feather pecking.  If not, if they were mine, I'd use Frontline puppy strength on them.  It could well be that they have lice but you just haven't been able to see them.