Feed for 9 week old pullets

[Mamachica]

I have 9 weeks old chicks that have been on the Purina medicated starter/grower but they are pecking each other quite a bit. I have read it can be boredom, too much light, over crowding, or too little protein or even lack of meat based protein, They have been pecking each other for a few weeks now. Is this normal chicken behavior or do I have a problem? Also, I was wondering what are some quality feeds are that I can maybe switch to? I can't find any that have meat based protein. Thanks.

 

[Percheron chick]

All chicken feed is going to have a plant protein source. Toss them a handful of cat kibble as a treatn

 

[rachelofmany]

I give my chicks little things each day to keep them occupied. We have old drift wood in the garden, so every couple days we switch the piece of wood and they tear at it and eat the bugs and explore the wood. I also like throwing in little toys. Last night they went crazy over a kit-kat wrapper for over an hour. Running all over, taking it from each other and shaking it around. It was super cute. Once they stop playing with whatever toy, I take it out. That way if they are just sitting around later I can throw it in and its a new thing for them all over again.

I have my girls on an organic feed and am making my own when they get a bit bigger with different things I'm buying from Azure.

 

[donrae]

Starter/grower is usually a higher-protein feed, so I'm thinking it's space. How many birds and how much space do you have?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Do you still have lights on at night for them? They should be off now (no need for heat anymore).

 

[Mamachica]

Thank you for all the replies. I have 12 chicks in an 8x8 coop. They do not get to go out everyday yet because we haven't put a "lid" on the run yet and there are lots or crows, ravens, and hawks out here. I do not have the light on anymore. Some of their feathers are looking pretty ragged, I guess from being picked at? Could they really be too bored or too cramped in that big coop? Is the cat food ok for them at this age?

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Thank you for all the replies. I have 12 chicks in an 8x8 coop. They do not get to go out everyday yet because we haven't put a "lid" on the run yet and there are lots or crows, ravens, and hawks out here. I do not have the light on anymore. Some of their feathers are looking pretty ragged, I guess from being picked at? Could they really be too bored or too cramped in that big coop? Is the cat food ok for them at this age?

It is possible they are bored, sure.

 

[rachelofmany]

I don't have much experience, but I'd say boredom. The coop seems like it should be big enough, but without being able to at least go outside and scratch around its probably getting to them. Mine are still too little for the cool weather, but I take them outside to peck around for 15 minutes or so while I sit with them. If I were you I'd let them into the run any chance you get while you're able to sit with them and protect them. I like watching mine be chickens though.