feather pecking

[linsrambler]

Yes it is unfortunately, they said we could change it by returning it and awaiting the larger one. Not when we had hens in it.
The walk-in cage is the largest we have room for unfortunately , did look at a 4X6 but could not get it on the plot space available.
Unfortunately 20% protein is not openly available in the UK it is all 17-18%. their food is available all day from release from the coop at @sunrise to when it is removed at sunset when they are back in the coop. No food is left in the runs overnight to ensure it does not encourage rats mice etc.

 

[The Good Grumble]

First in the UK.
Second as I said the coop is an Eglu Go-Up with a 2ft run which they say is adequate for 3 birds, (?), this is in a 5x3mtr walk in cage.
The pellet feed is 18% protein the only treats they have are grated carrots small amount of feed and Sunflower seeds with a small side of carrot greens , a spinach leaf or a little fruit in the morning .
This is a small tub not excessive. In the afternoon porridge if it is cold with a little corn or corn a little feed and calci warm, all aimed at increasing the feather growth.
Spray normal off the shelf "stop feather pecking spray"

The run is at the bare minimum of space for birds that like to forage, and likely too small for the breed of chickens you have. They’re bored. When chickens are bored they cause mayhem lol. I would encourage you to get a larger run and put your current coop in it. You can try some small remediations. But it won’t “cure” the issue. I don’t like pinless peepers. (They’re cruel- my opinion only) And they’re not permanent and likely the birds will go right back to the same problem if the current conditions stay the same. They need space and fun things to do. Can you free range at all? I used a temp fence to train my large flock their perimeter. But they have bushes to hide and forage underneath. Grass to graze. In the colder months they have leaf piles to pick through. When it’s snowy I shovel a path so there’s chicken raceways and give them hanging veggies to play with, lots of roost bars and places to hide.

I don’t mean this to sound harsh. But most coop manufacturers really overestimate the amount of birds you can keep. Improper ventilation, inadequate roost space and bare minimums on run and enrichment for them.

I’m sorry that’s not what you want to hear.

Your food is fine. You could use a grower crumble and offer oyster shells along with grit while they’re healing. But that’s just about 20% protein. They may not grow feathers back until after a molt.

Just make sure whatever else you provide is less than 10% of their diet so you know they’re getting a balanced diet. Chickens will absolutely eat their most favorite things…and it could lead to vitamin deficiencies. Which can exacerbate your issues. Proper nutrition is key!

Lastly, I would still recommend a cytology and skin scraping to be sure you aren’t dealing with depluming mites. I have some suspicion in picture two where you can see the revealed feathers shaft. Along with skin irritation. If they’re itchy they will even pull feathers themselves!

It’s a lot I know. Keep asking questions. We’re here to help.