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Two of my RIR's are missing feathers on their backsides, where the egg comes out. We don't have a rooster. What is happening?

We have 7 RIR's and 1 started laying eggs about 2 weeks ago, she pecks a small hole in every one she lays. We are feeding them laying crumbles with oyster shell mixed in. What could be the problem? We have two others that started laying in the past week and they do not peck the eggs.

Our homemade waterer (Plastic bucket and plant dish) gets a little coat of algea on it unless we clean it every 2 days, we try to do it just every 3 or 4 days. Should I add some vinegar or chlorine bleach to the water, 1/2 teaspoon or so? We live in the desert southwest where it is very hot.

When do we stop medicated crumbles, our hens are 5 weeks old? How long should they eat the "growth" feed before we start the "laying feed"? How old are Rhode Island Reds when they start laying eggs?

Which is better to use in the coop? In the chicken run? We live in the desert and have sand in the chicken run.

I would like to know which is better for in the chicken coop, straw or Pine chips. Our chicken yard/run is all sand ( we live in the desert ) should we put straw or pine chips there as well?