[soya-bean]

We have had our girls some 4 weeks now.  They soon sorted themselves into a pecking hierarchy but we have noticed that one of them comes in for a bit of bullying.  The other two keep nibbling at her tail feathers and she is not as heavy as them, though she is eating.  Does anyone know why they are nibbling her tail and will it cause problems?

[sallylouise]

As the hen is at the bottom the others might be hen pecking her, I have just gone through this and it is not nice my poor hen ended up half bald and in a very sorry state, she started off by having her tail feathers being pecked at apparantly they like the blood in the feathers I could be completley wrong and there are sooo many more experienced people on here that I am sure will reply and offer advice. I would suggest trying to nip it in the bud so to speak make sure your chickens have plenty to do, I have just put a huge bale of straw in the pen and have put some pecking blocks which they peck at and get seeds in return, try and put 2 lots of food down so the other one has a chance of eating if they keep pecking her get some anti pecking spray which you spray on the hen that is being pecked if that doesn't work you can get some rings I think they are called bits whick go on the chickens beaks to stop them pecking I haven't used these yet myself as they are my last resort and I am trying not to use them, make sure thay have lots of access outside as well. Hope this helps but like I said I am sure you will get lots more replies,
Sally
 

[Alby]

My Amber links are always eating each others feathers  It got a bit bad at one point so sprayed thier favouite bit with anti pecking spray stopped it almost at once 

My BIG girls are always having a go at the pullets but they just squark and run then sneak up behind them and nick a bum feather   

Keep an eye on them they should settle down . good luck