first what do you fed them? Is the feed high enough protein? Not too many treats to lower the protein level. what kind of brooding( or living) arangements are there? Is the space bigg enough for them to live happily in? They can go out side ( in a run) if not a windyday (they may choose to go out any way,if so it will not hurt them, unless they are really young chicks under 4 months of age) Also is the chick house very well ventilated at top of window or door never straight on them except when they are out in the run Also here is two things to do hang a head of cabbage (leave all dark green leaves on head)wrapped in piece of chicken wire from the celing to 8-12 inches above foor so they can reach it not walk on it Also hang a piece of alfalfa hay wrapped in chicken wire from ceiling to same height they will then be satisfied with their house also are they getting high enough protein but mostly need to run out side if they are protected from dangerous killers of chickens predaters are not good for birds NATURAL PROBIOTIC WET MASH 1 qt dry crumbles 2 qts sweet or sour milk or buttermilk 1/4 cup of yoguart feed once a day what they can eat in 30 minutes they will probavly eat 2-3 tsp for chicks (2-3 tbsp for adult chickens) of this recipe if you made too much store it in frig and feed next day
What a great thread I just had this prob a few days ago & since I'm a Newbie & all...its wonderful to have a thread with several ideas listed to keep them busy. My girls started to pick cuz they were bored (I think).
the fact that you give them something nutritional at same time they spend their time pecking at cabbage and alfalfa and getting nutrition is the point of the idea
Glenda is just suggesting things to do to keep your chickens focused on picking on something other than each other. I would add, if their run is bare (no vegetation growing) fill the run with raked leaves, freshly mown grass, etc. and sprinkle their feed or high protein treats throughout it to give them something to scratch and peck for and to keep them busy. I believe boredom is the number one cause feather picking/cannibalism.
