My hens are driving me crazy

[Crazy4Chicks]

Iuse those glue traps in the house - but we had one that was only stuck by its back legs so I kinda hit him on the head to stun him pulled him off and threw him out there - it was a game of " who has it now " - they ran so much they were panting I thought they were going to fall over ! when one got to tired to run someone else stole the mouse and ran till they had to stop - finally one of the bigger LB's went into the coop and I shut the door to let her eat her prize in peace. while the others walked around panting wondering where the mouse went.
I think I am going to try live traps and let the girls deal with the mice.
I have a huge pile of tree limps in the yard I think I make a few things for the girls to " play " on.
they never pick feathers at night - only during the day when out in the run - so maybe they are bored.

guess I have a busy day ahead of me building things for them to do.


Julie

 

[hcammack]

the black sunflower seeds have really helped my birds feathers they are so shinny since I have been feeding them.

Thanks,
Henry

 

[silkiechicken]

This is what I would do.

Go buy a bag of layer supplement or breeder rations and have that be their only source of feed. Offer free choice calcium and give them a good helping of black oil sunflower seeds, maybe 1/4 c per bird. The grower/layer supplement/breeder feed should have 20-22% protein so you should have that covered. The protein from feed and the in shell black oil sunflower seeds will provide the methionine. Those two things should cover any nutritional deficiencies that are found in feathers. I'd nix the corn and extra oatmeal treats and do this for two weeks and see if it doesn't stop. Oh, and I'd blue kote the heck out of any bald spots and make sure there is a lot of roost space.