You want deep litter in the coops? And not the run?
Deep litter doesn't really work without ground contact and moisture, so I think you have things switched around. Deep litter the run and sand (if you're willing to scoop more often) in the coops.
I don't think it's the roosts either, nor bullying if you haven't seen any other signs of such. What I think it is is perhaps it's health related or that age is starting to catch up with her. Does she seem to have any vision problems? Anything that could be impairing her movement (i.e...
Long story short everyone has their own way of managing their flocks as you've seen by the variety of responses here. And I don't know what your set up is like. In general folks who advocate for more "natural" chicken raising free range and have ample mixed forage to allow the birds to get...
Since you mentioned there's no modifying the coop or roosts you'll just have to be persistent, though it may take a while as they don't have the option of a separate roost to make them feel more secure in the space.
I also use the same netting but with 2" openings. Even with 2" squares wet snow, or a heavy snow fall, will build up and stick (loose powdery snow should fall through) - I don't tend to get a lot of snow at once so banging a broom on it is usually enough to loosen it up and let it fall through...
I haven't seen a red lash mass before but I suppose it's possible - do you still have it and if so, can you cut it in half and photograph the inside for verification?
Salpingitis is an infection of the reproductive tract that can be bacterial or viral. If it's bacterial it can be treated with...
Knowing your management preferences, soil type and what materials are available would help. For example I'm in a wet climate and have a lot of trees and plant material around so I use deep litter, mainly consisting of chunky wood chips for aeration and drainage, mixed with dried leaves/grass...
Well of course they were happy to chow down on the treats - put a plate of chocolate chip cookies in front of the typical human and even if they're full they'll find way to make room for them!
I'd aim to cut it down to maybe 1/4 cup total or less a day. BOSS and BSFL are both fatty compared to...
What I prefer for brooding is a "mama heating pads" which is simply a heating pad WITHOUT shut off placed on a frame to work like a heat plate. A fraction of the cost and they work in bigger temperature ranges versus the typical brooder plate.
x2 on taking them outdoors if weather permits and you have a chick safe enclosure ready for them. Any photos of the brooder? They do get bored if all they have is a tub with bedding and nothing else.
I haven't noticed excessive intake when the flock is allowed to regulate for themselves. During winter of course the oyster and eggshell barely get touched. Once they're getting back into lay I start seeing it disappear and yes it does seem to go fast when most of the flock is laying, however...
I would think they'd be able to jump up to 3' even with clipping, though you may need to test that. If there's no lower roost to help them up there's always the ramp option, or even a cinder block or stump can give them a boost.
Maybe it's just me but I don't see any real issue in the first video. As you've noted chickens tend to want whatever another chicken wants.
The roost situation is a bit tougher but as you're aware the 2 roosts are simply too close together, so even jumping to another roost doesn't put enough...
How high are the perches? For the most part chickens jump up onto roosts rather than fly, so as long as the roosts aren't up too high they should be able to get up to them. Or you can add a ramp.
Young birds tend to be more active since they're brimming with youthful energy which is why...
Good amount of space so I think it'd be worth trying if you really want them. While I don't have bantams I have a very random assortment of breeds with different traits (feathered feet, muffs, head poofs, varied colors and patterns), and I find as long as they have ample space and stuff to keep...
Most Marans aren't that heavily feathered in the feet unless I suppose someone is breeding specifically for that trait.
As far as the original question, here's a couple things to consider:
- How much space are you working with? If you're close to minimum recommendations, it may be more...