feather pickers

[AudBox]

I have a horrible bunch of feather pickers who are all buff orpingtons they peck to the point of technically eating my beautiful chickens alive. I tried poultry block, melons, pumpkins, a broom and culling some of the worst but they just won't quit one person said to add protein but I didn't think they should eat meat but I definitely could be wrong. Should I feed them meat?

 

[sumi]

Feather plucking could be a sign of boredom, but if they are eating the feathers as well the problem could be lack of protein. You can feed them meat, yes, meat scraps from your dinner, water drained from tinned tuna, a little cat food, scrambled/boiled eggs, meal worms or cooked soya beans are all good sources of protein you can add to their food. Some pet shops sell crickets too and chickens love crickets. It'll entertain them and meet their protein needs.

If that fails you can try "pinless peepers". See here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/144815/pinless-peeper-poultry-blinders

Good luck!

 

[AudBox]

O thank you I will try the protein and see if it helps