Expert behavioral care for your chickens — from home

Understanding common behavioral problems in chickens: Common Issues: • Feather Pecking - Mild to aggressive pecking - Can lead to injuries - Often stress-related • Aggression - Between hens - Rooster aggression - Territorial behavior • Stress Behaviors • Excessive vocalization • Hiding or isolation • Reduced activity • Abnormal eating patterns Root Causes: • Overcrowding • Limited resources • Social hierarchy changes • Environmental stress • Dietary deficiencies • Boredom • Poor coop design

Key signs of behavioral issues: Feather Pecking Signs: • Missing feathers • Bare patches • Nervous birds • Blood spots on feathers • Birds avoiding others Aggression Indicators: • Fighting beyond normal pecking order • Chasing and bullying • Excessive crowing • Injuries from fights • Stressed flock members Stress Symptoms: • Reduced egg laying • Pacing behavior • Unusual eating patterns • Lethargy • Social withdrawal • Stereotypic behaviors

Our veterinary team provides comprehensive behavioral support: 1. Professional Assessment • Behavior evaluation • Environmental analysis • Flock dynamics review • Stress factor identification 2. Custom Solutions We develop specific plans for: • Environmental enrichment • Space optimization • Resource management • Social group adjustments 3. Ongoing Support • Regular monitoring • Behavior modification guidance • Progress tracking • Adjustment recommendations 4. Prevention Strategies • Flock management tips • Environmental design • Enrichment programs • Stress reduction techniques

Essential enrichment strategies: 1. Physical Environment • Adequate space per bird • Multiple feeding stations • Various perch heights • Dust bathing areas • Foraging opportunities 2. Activity Enrichment • Hanging vegetables • Pecking blocks • Scratch areas • Exercise spaces • Natural cover 3. Social Management • Proper flock size • Compatible groupings • Visual barriers • Multiple resource points • Quiet areas 4. Stress Reduction • Consistent routines • Predator protection • Weather protection • Adequate ventilation • Proper lighting

Contact Telavets if you notice: • Severe aggression or fighting • Significant feather loss • Injuries from pecking • Extreme stress behaviors • Dramatic changes in egg laying • Flock-wide behavioral changes • Persistent problematic behaviors Early intervention can prevent serious issues and improve flock harmony. Our veterinarians can provide specific guidance for your situation.