Farmall Cub

by **jakeesspoo** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:41 pm

My laying hens are starting to pick at each other pretty good. My old ones never did this. I tried to debeak them but they werent really having that and also there really isnt that much beak that looks like it can be trimmed off without hurting chicken. Maybe I should have done it sooner when they were younger. I went out and did my bantams no problem but there still pretty young. Has anyone ever used those metal bans that keep chickens from picking? I may have to try those, although it should be quite a day trying to get them on

My uncle raises and shows pigeons and says he heard they sometimes pick because of a deficiency and that he heard feeding them some oats may help. Im gonna try this for sure being that that's much easier than catching and fighting a bunch of fiest hens. Not to mention the rooster, he doesnt like me messing with his ladies :!:

by **Chris Todd** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 10:33 pm

This may help.

Why do chickens peck at each other & what can we do about it?

Chickens will peck for a number of reasons. They can be: too hot, too crowded, not enough fresh air or short of feeder or waterer space, or to establish the "leader" of the flock. To stop it, try fresh grass clippings, weeds, and lettuce in the pen. In cold weather, fresh hay works. Darken the hen house. Use milk blocks. As a last resort you can debeak, cutting 1/3rd of the top bill & just the tip of the bottom bill by using the Debeaker/Trimmer Other products offered to help prevent this problem are: Poly Peepers (like blinders), antipick lotions or sprays: Hot Pick