Help! not sure what’s wrong with my chickens

[rosemarythyme]

That is a lot of extras. You'd be better off sticking strictly to a higher protein commercial feed (layer feed is usually 16%, so you can feed all flock or starter to get higher protein if you're having a hard time finding higher protein feed) instead of trying to add/subtract various human foods to balance out the numbers.

Also looks like there's a lot of feed scratched out in the run area, which could attract rodents.

I would not leave water inside that coop, ever. There's a lack of sufficient ventilation and the water + the chickens breathing at night is going to build up a lot of moisture in the air in there that can't get out. Dry is the goal inside a coop.

How long do they have access to the yard? If it's most of the day (like 8+ hours daily) then the smaller coop/run isn't as much of an issue. If they only get an hour or two out, that isn't enough to compensate for the tiny run. Crowding is a main contributor to behavioral issues.

The spots on the eggs are possibly excess blobs of calcium. I wouldn't worry about it unless you notice other issues with the eggs.

 

[jasminsaab]

That is a lot of extras. You'd be better off sticking strictly to a higher protein commercial feed (layer feed is usually 16%, so you can feed all flock or starter to get higher protein if you're having a hard time finding higher protein feed) instead of trying to add/subtract various human foods to balance out the numbers.

Also looks like there's a lot of feed scratched out in the run area, which could attract rodents.

I would not leave water inside that coop, ever. There's a lack of sufficient ventilation and the water + the chickens breathing at night is going to build up a lot of moisture in the air in there that can't get out. Dry is the goal inside a coop.

How long do they have access to the yard? If it's most of the day (like 8+ hours daily) then the smaller coop/run isn't as much of an issue. If they only get an hour or two out, that isn't enough to compensate for the tiny run. Crowding is a main contributor to behavioral issues.

The spots on the eggs are possibly excess blobs of calcium. I wouldn't worry about it unless you notice other issues with the eggs.

I have an update.
We have bought 2 new cages to separate the 2 who are being picked on.
I’m waiting on a new higher protein food mix to come in, for now they have the regular layer feed and access to water at all times, in each of the cages. Any recommendations on a good high protein brand?
The food falling in the run is due to them eating and swinging the tub which makes a mess.
They do only get about 2 hours in the yard which we are trying to increase, however hoping that the separate cages will help address the behaviour.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Any recommendations on a good high protein brand?
The food falling in the run is due to them eating and swinging the tub which makes a mess.
They do only get about 2 hours in the yard which we are trying to increase, however hoping that the separate cages will help address the behaviour.

Brand doesn't really matter. Go by the nutrition tag. Aim for around 18-20% (higher if you are still giving some treats), hopefully that will help a little bit, though I think the extra space the cages provide will be more helpful in this case.

For the swinging feeder issue, what I do is both suspended and sit the feeder on top of something (in my case, an upside down pot). Makes it harder to knock over or tilt:

 

[Carson213]

i get those spots...i was thinking it was too much calcium...but didn’t worry about it.

 

[jasminsaab]

Brand doesn't really matter. Go by the nutrition tag. Aim for around 18-20% (higher if you are still giving some treats), hopefully that will help a little bit, though I think the extra space the cages provide will be more helpful in this case.

For the swinging feeder issue, what I do is both suspended and sit the feeder on top of something (in my case, an upside down pot). Makes it harder to knock over or tilt:
View attachment 2685522

Hopefully! The 2 ‘bully’s’ who have been put together seem quite distressed, pacing quickly up and down the coop all day. I’m thinking maybe they just miss the other chickens and miss picking on them? They run to each other as soon as they’re let out and then they disperse.
I’ll try that hack for the food.

Also, any idea what these bugs are?

 

[BDutch]

No idea what these bugs are. if the bugs cause itching its possible the chickens peck themselves too. I wouldn’t dpray the chickens with insecticides however. These are poisonous for the chickens and for you too if you eat the eggs.

it is true that the 1sth coop has not enough ventilation, even if you leave the pop door open. I have the same model and drilled extra holes under the roof. And i made an extension to it for more and higher roosting space.
If you could open the door to the garden from morning til evening. You’re chickens will be a lot happier. But as long as you don’t know what caused the pecking it is nearly impossible to make the right improvement.
So trial and error probably is the way to go. Good luck

 

[rosemarythyme]

Also, any idea what these bugs are?

I don't think they're chicken pests, unless you're seeing them on the birds. Some sort of aphid maybe?