Does run need more stuff to help stop pecking?

[HilaryAkin]

Not about the bullying, but, try putting the oyster shell in something other than a bowl. I have seen people use something like a plastic bottle with a hole cut in the side and wired to a fence. I use large “cage cups” like for a bird or rabbit cage that clip great onto things like cattle panels.

Great idea! Amazon-Ed some cups. Thanks!

 

[FunClucks]

Great idea! Amazon-Ed some cups. Thanks!

Or, if you must use a "bowl", go for the dog bowls with extended sides - almost impossible to tip over on flat ground. Even the plastic version of these works great. They don't sell the food I want in pellets here, only crumble, so I periodically mix the "dust" that accumulates in the bottom of the treadle feeder with water or yogurt for a special treat (and to clean out the feeder). I feed it in a no-tip dog bowl.

One from TSC.

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...y6n-To1Wb-Y-TmmkjMXR2aD9dNR453ZRoCJu4QAvD_BwE

 

[FunClucks]

I believe it's 16 or 18% protein. I do put oyster shells out but never really see any of them eating it. They just knock the bowl over ugh.

If it's 16% protein, I'd up it to at least 18% protein. 16% is the bare minimum recommendation that comes from commercial chicken keeping. I feed 20% protein all flock (Purina flockraiser) myself, and set oyster shell and grit out separately. Also, check out the type of oyster shell you're offering - they may like one brand much more than another. For instance, my chickens will scarf up the crushed egg shells we feed them, but barely seem to touch those white rocks - lots of brands are using a mix of oyster shell and coral calcium or rocks now, instead of actual oyster shell. Some chickens have a strong preference for one or the other. You can tell from the fragility or strength of the egg shells whether they're eating enough calcium.

 

[Apis mellifera]

Adding more plant protein on top of more plant protein probably won't help. You can get chicken feed with pork in it or add meat from table scraps or higher end cat food to stop the picking. Mealworms may help as well.