[chilcoj]

Help please?

I'm having a problem with my hens pulling each others feathers out. Sometimes it seems like a form of bullying but now the bullies seem to have bald patches too. It is mostly from just above the tail and around the vent area but I noticed tonight that one has got a bald patch on her next now...and I thought she was one of the bullies....

Can anyone suggest anything?

I have 11 chickens and they have a coop which states it takes up to 15 chickens which has 2 nest boxes. They have a 10 x 10 x 6 run (dog pen) with ledges and perches to explore and sit on. They have plenty of greens.....help?

[poultrygeist]

Hi janette.

We're having similar problems in the last week or so. I've moved their perches and bits of wood round, put loads of fallen leaves in and hung up some greens.
I've treated the sore bits with germolene, although tea tree cream/spray is normally recommended.

Your 10x10 (presume feet?) sounds a bit on the small side for 11 hens based on the 1 sq metre per hen rule of thumb. Do they get access to any more area at all ?

It's generally caused by boredom I think, which is why I'm trying to give ours a bit of a change to stimulate them a bit.

It is a worryign problem that I hope is solveable.

Rob

[Aunt Sally]

3 or 4 nest boxes would be better for your hens.  Stop then queueing up  

[chilcoj]

Hi..yes they have access to more space when we are around to watch them.

Do you think that perhaps the coop is too small with only having 2 nest boxes?

Perhaps I'll have to speak to the OH and suggest he gets his tools out.

[poultrygeist]

He'll be cursing us  

It could be a contributory factor. Our 6 have about 4.5m x 4.5m but are still doing it. I think it may be because we haven't given them the attention they feel they should be getting and have started bullying each other out of frustration.

I'm thinking of getting a straw bale to put in the covered part but not sure that it will be very stimulating for them. Unless a family of mice move into it, which will certainly excite them  

Rob

[richyrich7]

You need about 1 nest box for every 3-4 birds, Do you hang the greens up ? and what feed do you give them ? mash is sometimes recommended as it takes them longer to eat so less time for mischief.

Like Rob said it's  a little on the small side run wise but only just, if it's 10x10 ( just over 9sqm )