[cbv8]

Hi All,
My Light Sussex hen as started feather pecking my other hens which are two Cuckoo Marans and 1 Copper star she has become quite nasty and pecks very large feathers out of the rest of the flock could she be becoming bored  Their run is approx 11ftx6ft and that's without the coop bit so i am thinking they have enough room they have two table thing'ys to sit/lie on i give them treats every day and hang greens up for them to peck at i have even hung a old cd disc up for them to peck at. She has alway's been the top hen in the bunch but this is just nastyness and becoming spiteful there is now constant cries from the others being de-feathered which is terrible to witness and hear  Am i right thinking that the Sussex is not a breed to be kept none free range ie i never let them out of the run as my garden has many many escape routes through to other gardens and beyonder i am really considering exchanging her for another Maran or Copper star any advice very very much appreciated     

[ANHBUC]

I would check them all over especially for any signs of mites or lice.  If they are in moult at the moment you can give them some extra protein which will help.  Some will feather peck and eat them when they have a deficiency.  Mealworms, tuna or even their own eggs will provide extra protein.

Do you have a dust bath for them chaz?  If not put one in and it should add interest for them.   

[cbv8]

I would check them all over especially for any signs of mites or lice.  If they are in moult at the moment you can give them some extra protein which will help.  Some will feather peck and eat them when they have a deficiency.  Mealworms, tuna or even their own eggs will provide extra protein.

Do you have a dust bath for them chaz?  If not put one in and it should add interest for them.   

Hi ANHBUC,
I did take your advice in previous posts ref:- the red mites and managed to get rid of the blighters using Poultry Shield wonderful stuff it is i have not seen a RM since  The run they are in is dry ie covered and there are many bathing holes in it looks like a mini minefield with lots of craters  I have decided to swap my Sussex with my daughters Maran the Sussex will be freerange then with others i think it's for the best and she will be happier hopefully the Maran will fit in with my flock 

[ANHBUC]

It could be down to a deficiency then with the obvious blood loss the hens will have suffered.  I would give them the extra protein in the afternoon and the greens you are giving them should also help.  I put some diatomaceous earth powder in the hens dust baths so they can self administer it and hopefully prevent them getting lice. 

Good luck with the swap.   

[cbv8]

It could be down to a deficiency then with the obvious blood loss the hens will have suffered.  I would give them the extra protein in the afternoon and the greens you are giving them should also help.  I put some diatomaceous earth powder in the hens dust baths so they can self administer it and hopefully prevent them getting lice. 

Good luck with the swap.   

Good idea about the DE powder i never thoght of that nice one  i will try it and your other advice 

[barley]

luckily never had this problem

but I remember the breeder where I purchased my chooks had small clips on some of the hens beaks

I asked him what they are for and he said they prevent bully chickens pecking other birds

apparently they cant quite fully shut the beak but it doesn't prevent from eating or drinking - loads of info about them if you google beak clips for chickens

[cbv8]

luckily never had this problem

but I remember the breeder where I purchased my chooks had small clips on some of the hens beaks

I asked him what they are for and he said they prevent bully chickens pecking other birds

apparently they cant quite fully shut the beak but it doesn't prevent from eating or drinking - loads of info about them if you google beak clips for chickens

Hi Barley,
Didn't fancy going that route it seems a bit cruel to me i did swap my Sussex last night for a 6 month old Maran she went for all my girls but today the tables have changed and they are going for her will have to see how it goes 

[barley]

that's good

hope it all works out ok for you and them

chooks can be vicious little blighters can't they 

[cbv8]

that's good

hope it all works out ok for you and them

chooks can be vicious little blighters can't they 

Thanks