Cull or not?

[michickenwrangler]

There are 8 chickens in that run, which is 10 ft x 24 ft.

I read somewhere (probably Backyard Poultry) that low protein can lead to increased feather picking.

While chickens don't understand nutrition as humans, they would still have cravings for things deficient in their diet.

 

[BWSY]

I would try the pinless peeper first. One of my hens was pecking (really bad) at the other one when I first got them. With the peeper on she still pecked at other one like before but missed and gave up the habit after a few days. I left it on for three months. I took it off when they nested one night and the next day everything was peaceful. She still pecks the other one once in while, but not like it was.

 

[dianaross77]

It could've started for a number of reasons but may be just a habit or obsession now. I would try isolating her (even if it's just a crate inside the coop). If you don't have one, see if you can borrow one. Our local animal control sells old dog crates for $5. Or a plastic tote with a little ventilation drilled in. I think the pinless peepers are a great idea too. I would give her a chance to see if I could break the habit but if you can't try not to feel too guilty if you have to cull her. Of course it would be normal to feel bad but you have to take the welfare of your entire flock into account.

 

[Davaroo]

erp!

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
240 sq ft is good. That's 30 sq. ft/bird - - better than most.
I consider the minimum for chickens confined outside 87 sq ft. But 240 ' for 8, well... that aint bad.

Chickens, on the other hand, are merciless to one another. This is widely known, even if we persist in calling them "babies." They squabble and fight and peck at each other incessantly. They can turn cannibalistic, too, under even ideal circumstances. As I like to say, "The Chickens World Is A Savage Place."
It normally takes stressors to bring out such things, but few of our yard birds have the selective pedigree which guarantees bad traits do not exist in their genes.

There aren't many here who would cull an aggressive feather picker, for example. We would insist it was anti-social and try to "work with it," putting it in "time out" or try some other human psychological remedy. However, if it IS an aggressive bird from similar parent stock, an entire line of such bothersome birds could have been bred on - and we would be none the wiser.

Low protein MAY result in feather picking. I'm not saying it cannot. It is certainly true that hungry birds will be aggressive and stressed and most certainly pick at one another. Call it "cravings" - that works for me. But if we are feeding a proper ration, or a diet based on sound nutrition, it is unlikely they ARE deficient.
Frankly, I'm not convinced that chickens know what to eat to remedy dietary deficiencies. They tend to eat or try to eat, anything and everything, all the time.

I'm concerned, mostly, that we may confuse the many anecdotal ideas we hear for actual fact. If you can find a definitive study supporting extra protein as a solution to the feather picking habit, I'd sincerely enjoy seeing it. It may, indeed, be out there.

 

[dianaross77]

Quote:
240 sq ft is good. That's 30 sq. ft/bird - - better than most.
I consider the minimum for chickens confined outside 87 sq ft. But 240 ' for 8, well... that aint bad.

Chickens, on the other hand, are merciless to one another. This is widely known, even if we persist in calling them "babies." They squabble and fight and peck at each incessantly. They can turn cannibalistic, too, under even ideal circumstances. As I like to say, "The Chickens World Is A Savage Place."
It normally takes stressors to bring out such things, but few of our yard birds have the selective pedigree which guarantees bad traits do not exist in their genes.

There aren't many here who would cull an aggressive feather picker, for example. We would insist it was anti-social and try to "work with it," putting it in "time out" or try some other human psychological remedy. However, if it IS an aggressive bird from similar parent stock, an entire line of such bothersome birds could have been bred on - and we would be none the wiser.

Low protein MAY result in feather picking. I'm not saying it cannot. It is certainly true that hungry birds will be aggressive and stressed and most certainly pick at one another. Call it "cravings" - that works for me. But if we are feeding a proper ration, or a diet based on sound nutrition, it is unlikely they ARE deficient.
Frankly, I'm not convinced that chickens know what to eat to remedy dietary deficiencies. They tend to eat or try to eat, anything and everything, all the time.

I'm concerned, mostly, that we may confuse the many anecdotal ideas we hear for actual fact. If you can find a definitive study supporting extra protein as a solution to the feather picking habit, I'd sincerely enjoy seeing it. It may, indeed, be out there.

Ahhh diplomacy... I love it!

Well put. I wish more people could answer questions and debate that way.

 

[Minniechickmama]

Well, here is an example:
Pica- it causes people, and animals if I am correct, to eat things that they normally would not, even things that are harmful or fatally harmful due to a dietary deficiency.
So, why would a cow or horse know when to go to the salt and mineral lick? Farmers provide these things as a free choice supplement to their regular diet. Some pay to have their cows and feed tested to find the deficiencies and correct them. How would a cow or horse know to eat minerals or lick a block or tub? There is an urge, a physical urge to go and eat what their body needs. Why do animals-all animals- know to drink water? Their body tells them too.
If a chicken is bored, of course they will peck. But it is possible too that they do it due to some deficiency. No, they aren't logically saying, "I feel protein deficient. If I eat Henrietta's feathers, then I won't feel that way." They are following an urge. Perhaps it then stirs a sort of frenzy in some.
I thought earlier when I read this, that the OP should just cull her. Perhaps putting her in a box or cage would be a good thing, not like a "time out" like you would a child, but a way of breaking a habit. It isn't going to sit in a cage or box to 'think about what it has done' but to be removed from a situation of continuing a bad behavior.

 

[michickenwrangler]

She has peepers on her now, so we'll see how she does and if the other feathers grow back.