Feather plucking - supplements?

[chickndays]

Chickens are feather plucking. All but one (Australorp) has a bare patch at base of tail. The worst offender seems to be a Rhode Island Red. It went right up to a dust bathing chicken (same breed) and started pulling out and eating feathers. I don't think this is the head chicken but it seems to be acting high up there.
Also have silver and gold laced Wyandottes to illustrate breed colors. (The gold laced has a bare bottom)
Which vitamins should I try to supplement to their feed?

 

[FrostRanger]

I would switch to a higher protein feed, preferably one with 20% protein.

That said, in addition to that you might also need to jail the worst offenders for a week or so and/or put pinless peepers on everyone to break the habit. Also how big are your coop and run in feet and for how many birds? Pictures of your setup would be helpful as well

 

[thecatumbrella]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but reds are notorious for feather picking (guess how I know!) What feed are you using (especially protein %)? What's your setup look like? Are they free ranging?

 

[chickndays]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but reds are notorious for feather picking (guess how I know!) What feed are you using (especially protein %)? What's your setup look like? Are they free ranging?

The run is at least 4 ft × 10 ft for five birds. No, I cannot free range in current location.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but reds are notorious for feather picking (guess how I know!) What feed are you using (especially protein %)? What's your setup look like? Are they free ranging?

I'm not entirely sure of protein content as it's a feed store blend and I didn't purchase it. It is a layer blend so I'm sure the owners did their research. The hens pick out the sunflower seeds from it though.

The run is about 4 ft x 12 ft with five hens in it currently. I've jailed the worst offender RIR and considering taking out the second too.

I cannot free range due to city policies unfortunately.

 

[thecatumbrella]

The minimum recommendation is 10 sqft/bird in the run, so you're a bit cramped in there. Can you add an extension? If you're able to post a picture, we can try to give some suggestions on how to improve.

Personally, I'd get rid of the layer blend (especially if it's a mix with sunflower seeds, because naturally they'll pick out the best bits) and pick up a bag of chick feed and oyster shells. The RIRs will appreciate the extra protein and take their calcium from the oyster shell as needed (just keep a dish on the side).

You've already worked to separate the bully, so give that a week or so to see if she knocks it off. If not, I'd re-home her to a free range situation.

I'm also unable to free range and have found that it's a challenge to keep active birds in confinement without some real effort and thought. A lot of the advice I found online was complete BS.

Check out this BYC article. It's one of my favorites.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The minimum recommendation is 10 sqft/bird in the run, so you're a bit cramped in there. Can you add an extension? If you're able to post a picture, we can try to give some suggestions on how to improve.

Personally, I'd get rid of the layer blend (especially if it's a mix with sunflower seeds, because naturally they'll pick out the best bits) and pick up a bag of chick feed and oyster shells. The RIRs will appreciate the extra protein and take their calcium from the oyster shell as needed (just keep a dish on the side).

x2 on all this. I know folks like to say 10 sq ft per bird in run but that doesn't include space for clutter to keep them busy, which helps prevent behavioral issues. The clutter thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/page-6#post-25037140

I also agree that a feed with intact sunflower seeds would be problematic for the reason listed. Even fermenting likely wouldn't help as the seeds are too easy for birds to pick out, which means they may not be intaking the balanced nutrition they need. If fermenting isn't an option, a pelleted or crumble feed is better to prevent birds from picking out favorite bits. Something 18-20% protein would be better, most layer feeds are around 16%.

 

[chickndays]

I was off on the run dimensions. 5 ft x 18 ft, plus 6 ft tall. They do have a ladder to the coop and there are branches in there for roosting on a well as sand on the bottom. The chicken swing was attempted but birds didn't care for it.
I'll try some of the other enrichment ideas. Thanks!

The feed was all the store had at the time. I'll try to source more protein heavy feed too.

 

[StinkyAcres]

The feed was all the store had at the time.

Hard to believe that's all they had. If your local stores don't carry a pelleted or crumble feed, you can buy online from Chewy.com. They have chick starter from Kalmbach, Blue Seal, and Nutrena.

 

[chickndays]

It's a small store. Is 21% protein too much? Most options stop at 16%

 

[thecatumbrella]

Nutrena All-Flock (which is very popular) is 20% protein, so I'm sure the 21% is fine. But do make sure it's a crumble or pellet (not one of those mixed feeds with goodies to be picked out). Every bite should be the same nutritionally.

EDIT: And be sure to offer oyster shell in a side dish, otherwise they likely won't be getting enough calcium for their eggs.