Carnivores

by Alan
(Beverley WA)

We breed Muscovy ducks and currently have around 150 ducklings aged between 2 weeks and 2 months.
Over the past 2 days they have developed a nasty habit of pulling out each others tail feathers to the point where they are raw and bleeding. I did find a month old duckling that had been pecked to death.
Last night we (the missus and I) searched our medicine kit and concocted a mixture of citronella oil and olive oil which we painted on their butts.
Today they don't seem to be as aggressive with each other and we have segregated them into the respective age groups. I made some calls around the big smoke and was referred to Bio John who recommended a spray called Chloromide. We have applied it to all the affected ducks and wait to see the results. It is sold as an antiseptic but apparently has a nasty taste (haven't tried it myself).
Has anybody got any other ideas??

Alan and Marilyn...Beverley
thought1@bigpond.com

MEG: I've noticed this problem as a result of crowding in baby chickens. Separating them into age groups and providing more space was a good move! Also make sure they are getting enough protein... e.g. supplement with meat meal if their diet has a lot of grain in it.