I think I have rooters?

[steph1200]

Hello I need help figuring out why my 7 week old chickens are so pecked at.
So I have these 2 chickens that I assume they are roosters (i have pics)

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They are a little bigger then the rest of the chickens and when I pick them up they peck at me
The other chickens I am pretty sure they are hens and they have all their feathers it's just these two chickens. I suspect it's because they are both guys but then again they are only 7 weeks. I just need some help

Edit 1: just noticed I wrote "Rooters" not "roosters"

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Yes, they both appear to be male, but that doesn't explain why their feathers are missing. That is not normal. Are they fighting or are the hens picking on them? How long have you had them and did they have bald areas when you got them? Also, are you sure they are 7 weeks old? They look older than that.

 

[steph1200]

Yes, they both appear to be male, but that doesn't explain why their feathers are missing. That is not normal. Are they fighting or are the hens picking on them? How long have you had them and did they have bald areas when you got them? Also, are you sure they are 7 weeks old? They look older than that.

When I got them they were 2 weeks (that's what they told me) all I know is they probably are being pecked at

 

[EggSighted4Life]

When I got them they were 2 weeks (that's what they told me) all I know is they probably are being pecked at

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Those do look like cockerels. And some breeds are more aggressive than others. What is the amount of space they have and the temps? Too hot or crowded always equals problems. Is their diet high enough in protein and not being augmented with too many goodies, which can cause feather picking? So you mean only these two are pecked or all the other birds are missing feathers and not these ones? I still see some down, so probably not too far off on age.

 

[steph1200]

Hi, welcome to BYC! 

Those do look like cockerels. And some breeds are more aggressive than others. What is the amount of space they have and the temps? Too hot or crowded always equals problems. Is their diet high enough in protein and not being augmented with too many goodies, which can cause feather picking? So you mean only these two are pecked or all the other birds are missing feathers and not these ones? I still see some down, so probably not too far off on age.

I let them out every day I have the baby feed with scratch mixed together they have plenty of food and water. It is hot (i live in California) they all are the same size.
All my other birds have feathers besides the two I should you. The hens do have some feathers missing but not like worry some.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I let them out every day I have the baby feed with scratch mixed together they have plenty of food and water. It is hot (i live in California) they all are the same size.
All my other birds have feathers besides the two I should you. The hens do have some feathers missing but not like worry some.

Scratch is a VERY bad ideal and MIGHT be causing your problem. Please for their health only give scratch as a treat. Should be less than 10% daily. And scratch is very hot when it digest which is the reason people use it right before bed during cold winter months. It is also considered on par with potato chips and has virtually none of the essential nutrients. It is OK for all of your birds to eat starter or all flock or flock raiser with oyster shell on the side for layers. Layer feed can cause long term kidney issues for chicks and non layers like cockerels or molting hens. I am positive in my heart that you need higher protein in their diet!

edited for spelling

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I also live in Ca, but got out of the heat about 2 years ago. It probably only hit 68 the other day here in Crescent City and thought we were gonna die!

Oh, I see you're in Oxnard. I was born there and lived there for a few years a long time ago..... When I lived in Bakersfield, now that's hot.

That's how my hubby looked cuz he couldn't stand the heat.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Come to think of it my Mom just moved there and many other family members are in the area as well. Small world!

 

[steph1200]

So remove the scratch and what protein do I give them?

 

[SunHwaKwon]

Yes, scratch is a treat, not food, and should not be mixed into the feed. You are diluting the protein and nutrients in their feed by doing that. Feed is meant to be their primary nutrition source and should be 90% of what you feed them other than what they are picking at while free ranging. By removing the scratch the protein they are consuming will automatically go up. Protein is essential for feather and muscle growth.