Feather Eating

[Friendly_Lurker]

I was trying to feed my injured hen cat food, but she won't eat or drink on her own. I don't know why. She's only eating raw eggs and sugar water when I give it to her with a syringe.

 

[Vickischics]

Thanks for all the help! The space has plenty of obstacles and different height roosts to occupy them all over the run. Another weird question, could it have possibly been from stress? My father was spreading fertilizer in our cattle pasture with a squeaky machine. She stopped once the noise stopped and has not done it again today.

That's a great thought!!!

 

[Friendly_Lurker]

Sometimes they eat feathers from boredom. You could hang a lettuce just high enough they have to jump for it, mine have always liked that.

 

[aart]

Thanks for all the help! The space has plenty of obstacles and different height roosts to occupy them all over the run. Another weird question, could it have possibly been from stress? My father was spreading fertilizer in our cattle pasture with a squeaky machine. She stopped once the noise stopped and has not done it again today.

But we haven't seen the space...nor have you described it's size(unless I missed it).

 

[jlpierce45]

Sorry! The coop/open run is 280 sq ft with 22 pullets and 1 cockerel all 10 weeks old. The coop has open floor space and roosting options with ladders, stool, and a pallet for more options.

I have since added the ladder and pallet which they love. They also spend some time sun bathing and dusting.

 

[jlpierce45]

These pictures are for size reference and were from the building process. It is no longer bare space.

 

[aart]

Sorry! The coop/open run is 280 sq ft with 22 pullets and 1 cockerel all 10 weeks old. The coop has open floor space and roosting options with ladders, stool, and a pallet for more options.

Ohhhh...didn't connect your screen name to this excellent coop.
Yeah, you have pleeeeenty of space there.

If it's only one bird doing the pecking, the diet is not likely the problem, it's the bird.
Might isolate the little pecker for a time out.
Wire crate in the coop/run is a good way to do this.

 

[Vickischics]

Sometimes they eat feathers from boredom. You could hang a lettuce just high enough they have to jump for it, mine have always liked that.

That's a GREAT idea!!!

 

[jlpierce45]

Thanks everyone, I haven’t seen her pecking today, will keep an eye out and isolate if it continues. I’m thinking it was from the sound of the loud squeaking yesterday but of course I will always keep an eye out!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Another weird question, could it have possibly been from stress? My father was spreading fertilizer in our cattle pasture with a squeaky machine. She stopped once the noise stopped and has not done it again today.

Unlikely, but then again, these are young birds and are at the age where everything makes them panic.