Chicken Plucking/Eating Others Feathers

[Free as a Bird]

Hello! So I have been noticing one of my chickens has been looking a little scruffy but didn't really think much of it. However, today I went out and another chicken (Speckles) started pecking at her feathers. Then Speckles went over to a third chicken and pulled out and ATE some of her feathers.

What is going on here? They have been stuck inside because of snow and cold temperatures, so are they bored? Do they need something (protein, calcium ext.)? Is it a pecking order problem?

 

[justplainbatty]

Hello! So I have been noticing one of my chickens has been looking a little scruffy but didn't really think much of it. However, today I went out and another chicken (Speckles) started pecking at her feathers. Then Speckles went over to a third chicken and pulled out and ATE some of her feathers.

What is going on here? They have been stuck inside because of snow and cold temperatures, so are they bored? Do they need something (protein, calcium ext.)? Is it a pecking order problem?

Sounds like they are bored and may also be needing a little more protein. Is there at least 4 square feet of floor space per bird? they may be getting on each others' nerves. Try shoveling an area around the coop door so they can step out if they want too. A head of cabbage is a great toy for them, keeps them busy and they love it.

 

[Free as a Bird]

Thank you! I think there is enough room but I will definitely shovel some of their run. What do you think is the best way to get them protein?

 

[donrae]

Do they still have access to the outdoors? Birds often chose to go out even in the snow or cold. That's a start.

Space is always my first thought. You didn't really answer about how much space they have and how many birds.

IMO the best way to give protein is through a good feed. Layer feed is only 16% protein, pretty much the bare minimum. Bump up to a grower or game bird feed, something closer to 20%.

 

[Free as a Bird]

Their door to the outside is open.

I have seven chickens and they have access to 40 square feet. That a little more than 5 square feet per chicken.

If I do switch to a grower can I keep them on that all the time? Should I stop when the problems stop?

 

[dawg53]

I agree with Donrae. They need extra protein in their diet. Purchase gamebird feed and give it to them to eat for 3 weeks to a month. Then wean them off the gamebird feed back to regular layer feed. You'll notice their feces darkening with the extra protein, nothing to worry about.

 

[aart]

I like to feed a 'flock raiser' 20% protein crumble to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and all molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

The higher protein crumble offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer.

When I see feather eating, I provide some animal protein...mealworms, meat scraps, cooked eggs.
I have friend that often only eats the whites for dietary reasons, she freezes the yolks and I thaw, add some water and scramble them up to feed to the chooks.

 

[noomama]

Hi! Just picked up 4 chicks today. They're three days old. Two Ameuricanas, a light brahma and a standard buff. One of the ameuricanas is a bit bigger than the others. She has been pecking at the other ladies and also plucking their feathers out. They're box is not the biggest but it's not too cramped- I'm getting a bigger box tomorrow. This big one seems like a bully!! Is that normal? Pecking order stuff? What signs should we look out for with cannibalism?

 

[PimpinMunky]

I have 4 chicks... They have been fine but the food ran out and I went to the store. Then when I went to feed them today the female chicks were attacking the rooster chick. He was bleeding slightly and had a few bald spots that were very red. IS this protein deficiency as a read somewhere else?