Chickens of course love to smack everything . Unfortunately , that include each other . wimp will often pick up at each other until blood is draw . This can lead to cannibalism , where chickens nag intentionally to draw line of descent from other chickens .
Pecking and Cannibalism SymptomsEarly signs of a pecking problem include uninterrupted toe pick inchicks , peck at maturingfeathersin rise birds or head and vent-hole pecking in older birds . It ’s often unmanageable to determine the dispute between random pecking and pecking that will lead to cannibalism and possibly the introduction of disease . It ’s essential to pay off closemouthed care to the integral flock . Normal troop behavior does include the establishment of a “ smack ” order .
Can it spread?Problematic pecking can spread as a harmful habit throughout your flock . Although pecking usually begin as an innocent outcome in chickens of all types and years , it can quickly step up into a more serious position if timely interference and direction changes are not implement before it leads to cannibalism . If excessive pecking or cannibalism becomes a problem within your lot , there are several uncomplicated approach path to reduce it .
Pecking and Cannibalism PreventionThe previous saying “ doll of a feather spate together ” has lustiness when it comes to chicken . The good way to avoid fast-growing behavior is to keep a spate that is uniform inbreed , long time , sizing and health position . Any volaille that diverge from “ normal ” could become a dupe of aggression . Be indisputable to separate any sick or imperfect birds as before long as possible to minimize the pecking inherent aptitude that can run to cannibalism .
Adequate spacefor each wimp , as well as constant access to food and body of water , is essential to help eliminate excessive pecking . It might also be necessary to provide a better surroundings for pecking - prone birds by keeping the temperature perpetual and comfortable ( not too red-hot ) and by minimizing exposure to bright lights . Using a violent light bulb in an enclosed incubator can reduce pecking behavior . If excessive pecking still occur after these change are implemented , mark off your bird for external sponger , which can also goad unreasonable pecking . Nutritional insufficiency of table salt and sulfur can also incite pecking by increase the appetence for blood , which contains both of these nutrients .
Pecking and Cannibalism TreatmentHistorically , chickens ’ beaks have been nip off to dissuade cannibalism . This method acting is n’t recommended for modest sight , where preventive method acting can be successful .
