Do I need to give them additional protein?

[WhenInRhome]

Ok so my 4 big girls (BOs) have been picking each others backs. One came to us with a bald back from a rooster. We put some no pick stuff on back when she developed a wound. She started growing feathers back. I must not have reapplied it fast enough because several days later all her new growth is gone. I witnessed two other girls picking her rapidly She just laid down and took it! The two that were picking her also have small bald spots developing now. The 4th that I did not see picking her has a small balding spot too. It is not lack of space or lack of feed. They had not been eating their layer feed so I switched them to grower feed. They love it! They have been on it for a week but still picking. They have also almost stopped laying eggs. The one girl with the wound who gets picked the most is the only one laying.

I thought they were just mean but now I am worried they are lacking protein. How can I give extra? Will it harm the 10 week old chicks I have in with them if they eat it too?


Right now they are eating started feed, wheatgrass, scratch and occasional fruit scraps. They really do not eat the scraps though. I even hung a head of cabbage and they never touched it. I want them to stop picking each other and start laying eggs again!

 

[junebuggena]

Make sure that all of them have more than enough room. Buff Orpingtons will need about 12 to 15 sq ft per bird in the run each. Then switch them over to a flock raiser type feed with at least 18% protein, and supplement their calcium needs with crushed oyster shell. Excess protein is easily expelled in their feces, so you don't have to worry about them getting too much. As a bonus, everyone can eat a flock raiser type feed, but only actively laying hens should be fed layer pellets. As temperatures warm up in the summer, chickens tend to eat less, making it easier for them to become nutrient deficient.

 

[WhenInRhome]

Make sure that all of them have more than enough room. Buff Orpingtons will need about 12 to 15 sq ft per bird in the run each. Then switch them over to a flock raiser type feed with at least 18% protein, and supplement their calcium needs with crushed oyster shell. Excess protein is easily expelled in their feces, so you don't have to worry about them getting too much. As a bonus, everyone can eat a flock raiser type feed, but only actively laying hens should be fed layer pellets. As temperatures warm up in the summer, chickens tend to eat less, making it easier for them to become nutrient deficient.

They seem like the eat constantly through the day till it gets super hot around 4-5. This is when the run gets the most sun and they all pant. I put a tarp over their run for shade but when the sun is setting it is impossible to shade fully.

Right now their run is 8x30. Till a few days ago the 4 birds had it all to themselves. Now they will share with 4 other hens, but for now they are small 10 week olds. Seems like they have enough space.

 

[pdirt]

It could be they came to you malnourished and are catching up. Or they might have worms that are stealing some of their nutrition. I would feed them an 18-20% protein feed. Even chick starter could be good, just add crushed oyster shell on the side.

I don't have any experience with worms, but search on byc and you'll find answers. Also, have you checked them for mites or lice?

 

[WhenInRhome]

It could be they came to you malnourished and are catching up. Or they might have worms that are stealing some of their nutrition. I would feed them an 18-20% protein feed. Even chick starter could be good, just add crushed oyster shell on the side.

I don't have any experience with worms, but search on byc and you'll find answers. Also, have you checked them for mites or lice?

I did not know chickens could get worms. How do I find out if they have them?

I have looked them over and do not see any mites or lice. I have some DE mixed with wood ash for dust bathing but they wont go near it.

 

[pdirt]

Sometimes worms can be seen in their feces, but not always. It's pretty dry where we are, which doesn't mean there aren't worms, but they are less prevalent than in a moister climate. I haven't noticed any symptoms of worms in our chickens. Some common symptoms are no eggs, fewer eggs, general declining health, losing weight, death, etc. Which is similar symptoms to many other causes than worms. Worms just apparently are quite very common in chickens.

I would go to the Emergencies and Illnessess forum and ask about worms there or search through the threads there are on worms.

There are no worming medicines specific for chickens, but I believe one of the most commonly used wormers is made for goats, just you use a smaller dosage. There are a couple a chicken medicine experts here on BYC, one with "calsport" or some such name in her screename, but I can't remember exactly. She could probably help you.