Chicken Pulling Feathers

[rjohns39]

Your plan of attack is sound. In the spring, I'd look at making the run bigger.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Adding extra coop space can be pretty tough but perhaps once things thaw out you could add extra run space (unroofed if cost is a concern). Without a roof it means they won't be likely to use it during the winter but at least the rest of the year they'll have extra space to use that still provides some predator protection.

 

[GC-Raptor]

We just switched to layer feed a month or so ago--maybe the reduction in protein sparked the problem. I'm feeding a 16% layer ration now, but I'll pick up a higher protein ration before I head home tonight. I'll isolate the problem hen and feed her extra protein this week too.

My first Flock, Golden Comets feather picked when I switched to a 16% Layers feed.
After 3 bags I switched back to a 18% feed. I also had to buy Pinless Peepers and keep them on for 3 weeks for the 3 offenders.
I always buy a 18 to 20% Poultry feed now.
My second Flock, Barred Rocks (29 weeks old) have had never had a feed with less than 18%.
So far no feather picking. . GC
ETA; I have 3 square feet per chicken with my 7 Barred Rocks in their coop, but they have 12 feet of roost space and a covered run of 100 square feet.

 

[aart]

We just switched to layer feed a month or so ago--maybe the reduction in protein sparked the problem.

This^^^....and cabin fever crowding...and maybe spring hormone surges.
Give 'em some animal protein...cooked egg, mealworms, canned fish, etc.

 

[katieinthetetons]

I also had to buy Pinless Peepers and keep them on for 3 weeks for the 3 offenders.

Did the Pinless Peepers work for you? Was wondering about these after reading about them somewhere else.

I isolated her first thing this morning and fed her some cooked egg. Bumping up the feed to 18% for everyone and I'll keep giving her extra animal protein with hopes this helps correct the problem. I haven't noticed any other birds picking after observing them for quite a while over the last few days, so hopefully no one else is affected and/or picks up on the bad behavior.

Thank you so much everyone for the suggestions! I really appreciate the help--this is my first flock and its all quite the learning experience!

 

[GC-Raptor]

Did the Pinless Peepers work for you?

Yes. I kept them on for 3 weeks after I started to the higher Protein feed.
I have the hanging Galvanized feeders , and they couldn't eat from them wearing the peepers.
I hung a small pail so they could eat. GC