Bare chicken butt? How to stop another from pecking

[StinkyAcres]

IMO it's a space/boredom issue above all else. Your run is barely big enough for 2 birds and certainly doesn't have space to add clutter and enrichment items https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/page-6#post-25037140 to curtail behavioral issues. A little free ranging does not make up for them being closed in most of the day.

Can you let them free range all day instead? If not, the other option is to add a larger additional run. If you have the space I'd recommend 10x10 at a minimum (and then just place this whole unit inside the new run) because even with only 3 birds, clutter takes up space.

I agree, space and boredom are likely your problem. The coop is big enough for only one standard chicken, so if you could somehow turn the current run into a sheltered roosting space it would help them spread out at night if they wanted.

 

[Whatsupchickenbutt16]

IMO it's a space/boredom issue above all else. Your run is barely big enough for 2 birds and certainly doesn't have space to add clutter and enrichment items https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/page-6#post-25037140 to curtail behavioral issues. A little free ranging does not make up for them being closed in most of the day.

Can you let them free range all day instead? If not, the other option is to add a larger additional run. If you have the space I'd recommend 10x10 at a minimum (and then just place this whole unit inside the new run) because even with only 3 birds, clutter takes up space.

Thanks! I’m hesitant to let them roam all day with the avian flu / we don’t have a fence, but in general it seems like they stay pretty close on our property. I’ll look into expanding their run space.

 

[Whatsupchickenbutt16]

How big is their coop? Spray the bare skin with BluKote, cut out all treats, and make sure they have a high-protein (18%-20%) complete feed available at all times.

Curious why cutting out treats? Don’t meal worms provide more protein?

 

[StinkyAcres]

Curious why cutting out treats? Don’t meal worms provide more protein?

It's to ensure they get balanced nutrition from their complete feed in case the treats are throwing off that balance and causing a deficiency.

I’ve been feeding the mix from my local food store but will look into more protein. Do you have a recommendation?

Are you able to get a nonmedicated chick starter/grower or all flock feed?

 

[aart]

Don’t meal worms provide more protein?

They do but they are also full of fat.