How beat up is too beat up?

[ValerieJ]

Next weekend we can expand the run about 4 ft out which will add about 20 sq ft, which will give them more than 8 sq ft per bird in the run, and the roost will be large enough when we are finished with it today.

The run really should be a minimum of 10SF per bird.

 

[DanielleOrbach]

Sound great. Hopefully that solves your issue..

I sure hope so. Thank you for your help.

 

[DanielleOrbach]

I always did supervised integration so I can scold the bullies. Then remove young ones at night till no more bullying is going on.

I got them all at the same time two weeks ago, and they have pretty much settled into their pecking order. We are going to try the larger roost area and see if that helps, and next weekend expand the run area a little bit.

 

[DanielleOrbach]

It has been tested on my flock. I think it works great for stopping other chickens from pecking as well as helping the healing process. I also had a bird that was the brunt of much pecking and it wasn't a lack of space. In my case it was started by a mean rooster. The rooster ended up in the stew pot and the chicken lived in harmony with the other hens for 4 more years. (I did lose her recently to an eagle attack.)

I just got back with the blu-kote and am about to apply it. I'm sorry you lost her. I am going to keep an eye on all of the young ones to make sure we don't have a cockerel, but the lady I got them from is very experienced and has been raising thousands of chickens for dozens of years.

 

[DanielleOrbach]

The run really should be a minimum of 10SF per bird.

I did read that it should be 8-10 sq ft per bird.

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

Anything is possibly with Chickens. ..I'm thinking the protein is too high and 16% might be better.

Well too much protein or not enough can cause issues in behaviour along with confinement..

Hi, can you point me to a study or documentation to back this up?
I've read of feathers being pulled and pecking in a protein deficit. The Chickens do what they have to, cannibalize, to meet their needs but too much protein, according to my research, causes no issues, except at extremely high percentages, 70%, over time...

From Nutition and Avian Kidney Disease. By Tom Roudybush

Another misconception is that the protein level of breeder diets and handfeeding formulas is
harmful to kidneys. In research studies in poultry, turkeys had to be fed diets with 40% protein to
produce gout (one clinical sign of kidney disease) and they gradually recovered when put back
on a diet with 20% protein (the amount of protein usually seen in breeder diets and handfeeding
formulas). Chickens had to be fed diets with 70% protein to produce gout.

Considering how many of us Free Range one or more hours a day, and the Keepers of Pasture Raised Chickens, we have ZERO Control over Protein intake when they are out and about. These Chickens eat, who knows how many, insects containing 50+% Protein, plus Grasses, Seeds Legumes and Flowers that range from 15% to 50% Protein. If Too Much Protein caused Feather Pulling and Beatings...We would see scores of Naked, Bloody Chickens in backyard and farms all over the country.

I am not trying to be Disrespectful or Argumentative. I'm new to Chicken raising and currently Nursing two hurt Pullets, one who's backend being de-feathered and skin torn, much worse than the OP's bird and a second pullet with a HOLE, the size of a Pencil Eraser, to the bone of her Skull. Really scared the heck out of us. Needless to say, I too am looking for answers. Thank you for you help...JJ

 

[DanielleOrbach]

Hi, can you point me to a study or documentation to back this up?
I've read of feathers being pulled and pecking in a protein deficit. The Chickens do what they have to, cannibalize, to meet their needs but too much protein, according to my research, causes no issues, except at extremely high percentages, 70%, over time...

From Nutition and Avian Kidney Disease. By Tom Roudybush

Another misconception is that the protein level of breeder diets and handfeeding formulas is
harmful to kidneys. In research studies in poultry, turkeys had to be fed diets with 40% protein to
produce gout (one clinical sign of kidney disease) and they gradually recovered when put back
on a diet with 20% protein (the amount of protein usually seen in breeder diets and handfeeding
formulas). Chickens had to be fed diets with 70% protein to produce gout.

Considering how many of us Free Range one or more hours a day, and the Keepers of Pasture Raised Chickens, we have ZERO Control over Protein intake when they are out and about. These Chickens eat, who knows how many, insects containing 50+% Protein, plus Grasses, Seeds Legumes and Flowers that range from 15% to 50% Protein. If Too Much Protein caused Feather Pulling and Beatings...We would see scores of Naked, Bloody Chickens in backyard and farms all over the country.

I am not trying to be Disrespectful or Argumentative. I'm new to Chicken raising and currently Nursing two hurt Pullets, one who's backend being de-feathered and skin torn, much worse than the OP's bird and a second pullet with a HOLE, the size of a Pencil Eraser, to the bone of her Skull. Really scared the heck out of us. Needless to say, I too am looking for answers. Thank you for you help...JJ

I really hope your pullets get better quickly.

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

I really hope your pullets get better quickly.

Thanks you Danielle. I hope your issues clear up as well. More room will definitely help. These kids are like 5 year olds! They will try to kill each other and while the Parent's are Panicking, the kids are hugging and walking around holding hands...

It's been a week now the two are in the house and recovering well. Why not? They get their free choice 20% Feed, plus beg their way to treats off our plate. They hang out all day on the back of the towel covered couch, watching TV, and they Sleep on a shelf over the Headboard of our bed in the Air Conditioned bedroom!
My problem is a Fiesty Cockerel. They have all done great on their 20% feed. In fact, I credit the protein content for their quick healing...JJ

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I got them all at the same time two weeks ago, and they have pretty much settled into their pecking order. We are going to try the larger roost area and see if that helps, and next weekend expand the run area a little bit.

I'm having a new coop built and planned to add more roost than what my current one has. My 4 you ones sleep in a nesting box at the present time

 

[rosemarythyme]

I did read that it should be 8-10 sq ft per bird.

That's a bare minimum. Since it looks like you already have bullying issues if at all possible you should aim larger.

More space also makes it more feasible to add obstacles, additional feeders, and other things to keep them busy, which can help reduce behavior issues by providing cover and just keeping the birds busy. Adding all that to a already cramped run will eat up too much space.

Alternatively you might consider reducing the flock if you simply cannot expand due to size of yard and setbacks, for example.