Feather picking?

[micstrachan]

Sorry, one more thing. Your chickens definitely need some time to run around. Is there any area you can fence in so they can get some time to get out without the dogs getting to them?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

During the day I sometimes let them out in the yard but the neighbors like to let their dogs out all day and they like to come up and torment my chickens.

Do you have any suggestions to increase their protein? I gave them some sunflower seeds today.

do you see how she scrunches down and spreads her wings out in the bottom picture? Do you know why they do that?

@ChickenCanoe gave you some great suggestions on increasing protein if you missed those on post #2
You can also increase protein by providing an 18-20% all flock/flock raiser feed. Make sure to provide oyster shell free choice.

Is there a way you can expand your run to make it larger? You may also want to talk to your neighbors about keeping their dogs up or you may need to build a fence to keep the dogs out. If the dogs are terrorizing them, it's unhealthy for the hens - stress can cause some of this picking behavior, not to mention over time reduction in egg production, laying problems and stress can make a chicken more susceptible to illness.

Do they have all of that large coop to themselves or is it split in half for the chickens. If they have access to that whole building, expand your roosting. Even though you may feel they have room on one side for another chicken or 2 - having more roosting space can help relieve some of the tension. Since they are confined to coop/run, add some perches to the run for them to get on and away from each other. I'll be honest, the run looks a bit small for the amount of chickens you have (I think I count 10?) A good rule of thumb for large fowl is to have 10sq foot of run space per bird, this would equal at minimum a 10X10ft run.

I love Barred Rocks to death, but they do seem to need a little more space than say Orpingtons. Mine are not necessarily "aggressive" they are just strong willed and independent. Having room, I believe will help eliminate most of your picking.

The scrunching up is a submissive squat, perfectly normal.

 

[micstrachan]

I didn’t realize that was a Barred Rock thing. Mine is definitely queen of her roost. More roosting space is a good idea.

 

[junebuggena]

Barred Rocks are definitely a breed that prefers to have more elbow room than others. They need their space, and if they don't get it, they can turn into problem birds. Your roosts are overcrowded and the rungs are too close together. Ladder style roosts don't work that great unless you've made sure there is enough clearance between rungs to ensure no lower level birds are getting pooped on by those above them. That top rung is also too high. It puts those birds right in front of the vent, which means they are sitting in a draft all night long.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Barred Rocks are definitely a breed that prefers to have more elbow room than others. They need their space, and if they don't get it, they can turn into problem birds. Your roosts are overcrowded and the rungs are too close together. Ladder style roosts don't work that great unless you've made sure there is enough clearance between rungs to ensure no lower level birds are getting pooped on by those above them. That top rung is also too high. It puts those birds right in front of the vent, which means they are sitting in a draft all night long.

LOL Barred Rocks also prefer to be top hens

All seriousness, I agree - good post!

 

[ChickNanny13]

All GREAT ADVICE
Glad you've joined BYC.

 

[Chickens are the best]

Thank you everyone who responded! I'll switch the feed and try to make a nicer roost. I can use the rest of the chicken fencing that I didn't use on the coop to make the a nice big space they can roam around in. It Should be tall enough that dogs can't get it. They should not be too much of a problem though because we chase them off and shoot at the ground whenever they come around. The chickens don't mind it, but the dogs don't like it.

 

[Chicken Whisper101]

You can switch feed to...

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you everyone who responded! I'll switch the feed and try to make a nicer roost. I can use the rest of the chicken fencing that I didn't use on the coop to make the a nice big space they can roam around in. It Should be tall enough that dogs can't get it. They should not be too much of a problem though because we chase them off and shoot at the ground whenever they come around. The chickens don't mind it, but the dogs don't like it.

Sounds like you have a good plan!

I hope with just a few changes, everyone (including you) will be happier
Please keep us posted.

 

[Chickens are the best]

Yesterday I went to my feed store and I looked through all the feed they had, but the only stuff they had that had over 16-17% protein was the meat bird crumbs. (20%) I bought some but I was wondering if I could feed it or maybe mix it in the food they have.