Chicken pecking :(

[Chickenman MAN]

Yeah. The feed looks fine and it seems to be a relatively big company, has a wide product range... For some reason it doesn't seem to be so regulated here (UK), plus the other bags are very expensive!

I have had a reply... it is 16% protein.

 

[aart]

I have had a reply... it is 16% protein.

Cut out all the other treats.
And they really need a bigger coop.

 

[Chickenman MAN]

Cut out all the other treats.
And they really need a bigger coop.

I agree with the needing a bigger coop but at the moment I just can't get one. What will cutting out the treats do? Making sure they eat more of the feed for more protein?

 

[Chickenman MAN]

And thanks for the links!

Cut out all the other treats.
And they really need a bigger coop.

 

[aart]

Making sure they eat more of the feed for more protein?

Yes, protein and the other nutrients too.

 

[Chickenman MAN]

Yes, protein and the other nutrients too.

Ok. And about the coop I do plan to get one in the summer, get a shed and transform it to a coop.

 

[aart]

Looked closer at the roosts, spread them out some.
30cm from walls and apart if possible...can't seem to find the dimensions of coop.

...and might 'clutter' up the run a bit :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Chickenman MAN]

Looked closer at the roosts, spread them out some.
30cm from walls and apart if possible...can't seem to find the dimensions of coop.

...and might 'clutter' up the run a bit :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

I will send coop dimensions tomorrow...unfortunately I can’t change the coop in any real manner as I’m borrowing it from a friend of a friend :/

 

[rosemarythyme]

...and might 'clutter' up the run a bit :
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

x2 on the clutter inside the run, helps keep birds busy and provides hiding spots. Piles of green materials - dried leaves, pulled weeds - also will provide some entertainment so they can focus on something other than pulling feathers.

I'd also see about switching to an unmedicated (feed without amprolium) chick starter or grower feed, as those should have higher protein %. Aim for 18-20% protein. You already are providing calcium via oyster shell so layer isn't necessary, though since you already have the feed you can also consider feeding a mix of half layer, half 20% protein feed (that'll balance out to 18%).

 

[Chickenman MAN]

x2 on the clutter inside the run, helps keep birds busy and provides hiding spots. Piles of green materials - dried leaves, pulled weeds - also will provide some entertainment so they can focus on something other than pulling feathers.

I'd also see about switching to an unmedicated (feed without amprolium) chick starter or grower feed, as those should have higher protein %. Aim for 18-20% protein. You already are providing calcium via oyster shell so layer isn't necessary, though since you already have the feed you can also consider feeding a mix of half layer, half 20% protein feed (that'll balance out to 18%).

Thanks for all the help! I am also occasionaly giving them scrambled eggs which is supposed to help with protein...they seem to like it! I will work on the cluttering of the run!