Chicken run, free ranging, run

[lmterp]

If only 3 of 10 are laying I would not be feeding them later feed yet. Layer feed is high in calcium that can be detrimental to non laying birds. I would keep them on starter/grower or an all flock feed with supplemental oyster shells at least until everyone is laying. I plan to just feed the starter/grower or all flock with supplemental oyster shells at all times throughout the year as we always seem to have someone that is not actively laying for some reason or another.

I also think that all of the girls are very close to laying eggs. They seem very healthy, with beautiful silky feathers. But you are also saying that the starter feed has more protein?

 

[rosemarythyme]

For the feather picking, bumping up the protein in the feed may help if it's a protein issue. If it's a boredom issue, then you need to look at what's in your run - is it a big empty square, or is there stuff in there for them to interact with?

 

[lmterp]

For the feather picking, bumping up the protein in the feed may help if it's a protein issue. If it's a boredom issue, then you need to look at what's in your run - is it a big empty square, or is there stuff in there for them to interact with?

I think it's boredom. My husband thinks it's protein. I guess we'll address both.

 

[aart]

I think it's boredom. My husband thinks it's protein. I guess we'll address both.

I think it's both.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[lmterp]

This morning, the very same hen who is plucking feathers, pecked open an egg. I believe I caught it before it spilled out, am not sure if she got a taste of it, and think at least one or two other birds saw her do it. Protein? Boredom? Both?

 

[aart]

This morning, the very same hen who is plucking feathers, pecked open an egg. I believe I caught it before it spilled out, am not sure if she got a taste of it, and think at least one or two other birds saw her do it. Protein? Boredom? Both?

Both.
Fake eggs in the nests, gather frequently.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Cut out the "treats" and you may want to up the protein in your feed. I used to feed "treats" but after reading several posts about "treats" decided to stop, it was more like a guilt treat since I keep my girls confined.
I switched from layer yeats ago, again reading a few post on feeds. Feed only Flock Raiser (20%) with grit/Oyster Shells in separate dish. Haven't had issues with egg shells. I do toss a hand of scratch at night when I close them up, no other treats.
Years ago I did have an issue (prior to switching to FR) with feather plucking/eating, I was advised to feed extra protein which did help (scrambled eggs as a treat).