Bad Behavior after first egg laying

KFC123

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Hello we have a bit of a problem. We have 6 Golden Laced Wyandottes 5 of which we're ordered back in early June (I believe) our oldest has just layed her first egg a week ago. Before, they all got along just fine. Now since Ava (That's our oldest) has started laying eggs she has began to pluck out and eat the younger hens feathers. It's not isolated to one or two specific hens, but all 5 of the younger hens. Some are missing more feathers than others and two you can see their little butts all exposed (Skin). I don't know what her problem is. Our Coop is 5x6 with an attached run that's 5x10 so there should be no issue with space. Please HELP!

Thanks
 
Welcome to BYC!

She might have protein lacking from her diet. My hens often pluck and eat feathers when they need protein. (Feathers take up 85% protein.) Give them some oatmeal, quinoa, scrambled or boiled eggs, corn, peas, tuna or sunflower seeds.
 
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That's not enough room mentally for that breed, and make sure your protein content of your feed is up, low protein and crowding are the main reasons for feather picking.
 

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