It’s so sad to see the little girls getting more and more bare. The big girls seem to have stopped pulling feathers from each other and are finally getting some feathers back. The little girls however have gradually become more bare.
The other day when I was in the run I heard a squeal. I turned and saw Bluebell with her foot on one of the little girls back, holding her down, while plucking a feather from her neck. It was horrible to see and unlike when the big girls were plucking it seems malicious. I have considered separating Bluebell but I am not sure if she is the only culprit or if it would make any difference anyway. When I separated her before for bullying the little girls it didn’t make any difference when she returned.
I have also seen Pepper pluck a feather from one of the little girls head while she just stood and let her. I am so frustrated by this because although it doesn’t to seem to bother the little girls it is completely ruining their looks.
As they only started to lay eggs at the end of May they probably won’t molt this year either so will be stuck like this for a very long time. It is so sad to see such lovely girls looking so awful.
Honey’s bare patch
Their combs are lovely and red and healthy looking.
Amber’s bare patch
Honey front view
Amber front view
Seeing the little girls like this makes me so sad, it’s such a shame. I really hope this passes like it has with the big girls and one day the little girls will be restored to their former glory.
Click here to see the history of my flock.
It really is sad and as you said before when your big girls were plucked it was gentle .This is nasty .
I am sorry that I don’t know the answer and hopefully it will pass .Personally I would still separate Bluebell but longer time than you did before to give the little bantys time to toughen up .
The thing is, I don’t think it’s a case of the bantys toughening up because they just sit there happily and let it happen.
For the moment I am going to leave things to pass as they have before. Besides the damage is now already done. It’s just me that is so frustrated again!