Adding cat fish pellets for feather picking?

[NatJ]

I get the idea they are bored with winter and probably each other too.

Photos attached...

How deep is the litter on the floor?
If it's shallow, maybe add some more.
If it's deep, maybe turn it over in a few places to make it more interesting.

The reason I suggest this: it might cause them to spend more time scratching, so they have less time & energy for picking at each other, but without giving them a lot of extra calories by adding treats. It may or may not help, but probably does no harm either.

 

[HensInTheForest]

Might add some stuff that blocks visuals.
Good ideas for hiding places:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Thanks looking into it.

 

[HensInTheForest]

How deep is the litter on the floor?
If it's shallow, maybe add some more.
If it's deep, maybe turn it over in a few places to make it more interesting.

The reason I suggest this: it might cause them to spend more time scratching, so they have less time & energy for picking at each other, but without giving them a lot of extra calories by adding treats. It may or may not help, but probably does no harm either.

Litter is probably 6 to 8 inches deep now. But some areas its thinner where they can still dust bathe and dig holes. The ground hasnt frozen in run which is pretty neat since its been 12 below a few times. We have been adding fresh every so other week or as needed.

Thanks for chiming in!

 

[HensInTheForest]

Get a few pallets to lean up against the walls, set up on concrete blocks, make A-frames from, etc.

Pallets are readily available for free and easily lend themselves to improvised construction of visual barriers and hiding places.

Thanks I'll see what I can do.