My meat birds are eating each other!?

[Champagne-blond]

Looks like they need some more stimulation, they're probably bored. If you ever raise chicks in a brooder I suggest switching to an infrared light so it makes it harder for them to see blood, or you could use Blu Kote as suggested above. Temporary debeaking could also be an option. Also, x2 on using peas instead of corn for the boredom.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Looks like they need some more stimulation, they're probably bored. If you ever raise chicks in a brooder I suggest switching to an infrared light so it makes it harder for them to see blood, or you could use Blu Kote as suggested above. Temporary debeaking could also be an option. Also, x2 on using peas instead of corn for the boredom.

I can see WHY big chicken (as we call the industry) NEEDS to debeak... but IF a private person needs to debeak, that's just appalling and they shouldn't be raising birds IMHO.

But I do get that you were making helpful suggestions and that was just one option you mentioned.

I would suspect debeaking at this point would cause more stress and therefor death.

Good luck, resolving the issue!

 

[FreedomFarmVT]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Sorry you are having trouble. Plucking is a behavioral issue, usually associated with over crowding, boredom, or lack of protein in the diet. I would have to figure you are feeding meat birds at least 22% protein if not higher though? How old are they, how much room do they have, what are you feeding including treats and supplements? Are they under a light at night? When you say meat birds, what breed?

Also, red invites pecking. Chicken dynamics can be brutal and result in cannibalism. You might try applying some Blu Kote. It will hide any red, and it *might* have an antiseptic in it. I haven't yet used it.

They're about 16 weeks. Yes they're past processing time being the place I was going to take them to is no longer doing it. So I'm doing it myself with my brother who's a butcher. They're Moyer crossed and they're gigantic. I had 26 and I'm down to 16. I have been feeding them broiler mash and cracked corn. They're in a 9X8 hoop house tractor that we built. It's weird how it all seems to have started after they got that snake.

 

[FreedomFarmVT]

View attachment 1097682 Make them snack they may enjoy more keep them distracted from each other here are a few snack ideas

That's a cool idea. No pun intended. Thank you

 

[junebuggena]

They're about 16 weeks. Yes they're past processing time being the place I was going to take them to is no longer doing it. So I'm doing it myself with my brother who's a butcher. They're Moyer crossed and they're gigantic. I had 26 and I'm down to 16. I have been feeding them broiler mash and cracked corn. They're in a 9X8 hoop house tractor that we built. It's weird how it all seems to have started after they got that snake.

So there are your issues. Too many birds in too small a space, and cracked corn lowering their protein intake. It was a fine amount of space for 6 week olds, but now they are teenagers and that means they need adult-type space. At least 10 sq ft per bird. Cracked corn is calories, but very little nutrition. It's a treat, and meaties really don't need extra calories.

 

[Birdinhand]

definitely not enough space for near full grown birds. I can see how the snake may have tipped the scales, with chickens it seems, just about the weirdest things happen! Also, it's hard to imagine keeping them all to that age. some of your loss may be from heart issues. I harvest between 6 and 9 weeks max. I think most your challenges will be resolved for you next time around with an earlier harvest and or fewer birds/larger pen(S).

 

[EggSighted4Life]

They're about 16 weeks. Yes they're past processing time being the place I was going to take them to is no longer doing it. So I'm doing it myself with my brother who's a butcher. They're Moyer crossed and they're gigantic. I had 26 and I'm down to 16. I have been feeding them broiler mash and cracked corn. They're in a 9X8 hoop house tractor that we built. It's weird how it all seems to have started after they got that snake.

My daughter and I process our boys. We just skin them for now while improving our skills. Our first boys were a bit older because it took time to work up the courage to proceed.

I have not heard of Moyer cross before.

Get rid of the corn completely... it is diminishing you whole operation. Most commercial feed are already mostly corn. And depending on the ration you have been using... is actually giving your birds more fat than muscle content, which I'm sure is not your goal. The amino acids help build muscle. Plus the vitamins and minerals help have healthy birds with better immunity. Thereby giving you a more nutritious supper. Extra corn is like a candy bar. Yummy!

Yes, teenage boys will become quite hormonal by this age, and that is apparently too small of a space, indicated by your troubles. If they had some hiding places, it might help. Just some visual barriers. And remember, in your space, you are giving some of that square footage to the feeder/waterer.. thereby having even less area than you think. (I think)

IF free ranging were an option, that's what I would do. Or I would start processing. I start with the biggest bullies. We can only do a couple at a time. But it ALWAYS makes for a bit more peace. Sad thing is that if somebody starts beating up another, other will often join in to raise their place in the pecking order. Guy on bottom with no way to get away will likely be dead, as you've experienced. To be honest, space doesn't matter once they decide it's on. Sometimes it will become relentless chasing and beating. In which case I step in and give the chasing cockerel a little chase of my own with a nice long PVC pipe! I don't like bullies. Ever heard the best defense is a good offense? Can't tell you how many times I've seen that be true.

The snake was probably just coincidental.

Are you pretty sure you haven't had any illness leading to weakness leading to the pecking?

Is corn even cheaper than feed? It doesn't seem to be so here. I know the chickens love it and many people feed it. But whole heartedly, nutrition and space are going to be key to your recovery.

Hang in there, we all have things happen and start learning from our mistakes if we can!

ETA: Looked up the birds, and I agree... age could be part of the issue with the deaths you've experienced.

 

[Champagne-blond]

I can see WHY big chicken (as we call the industry) NEEDS to debeak... but IF a private person needs to debeak, that's just appalling and they shouldn't be raising birds IMHO.

But I do get that you were making helpful suggestions and that was just one option you mentioned.

I would suspect debeaking at this point would cause more stress and therefor death.

Good luck, resolving the issue!

No, I meant temporary debeaking. There's parts in the beak where if you cut it, it will grow back. I refer to them as the fingernail parts and the finger parts. Cutting the tip of the beak (or the fingernail) means it will grow back in six weeks if done right. The big egg operations and sometimes meat debeak permanently with a hot rod. But you are right, I didn't consider the age of the birds. They are already too old and debeaking them now may cause additional stress.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

No, I meant temporary debeaking. There's parts in the beak where if you cut it, it will grow back. I refer to them as the fingernail parts and the finger parts. Cutting the tip of the beak (or the fingernail) means it will grow back in six weeks if done right. The big egg operations and sometimes meat debeak permanently with a hot rod. But you are right, I didn't consider the age of the birds. They are already too old and debeaking them now may cause additional stress.

I didn't know that. Thank you for sharing!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

No, I meant temporary debeaking. There's parts in the beak where if you cut it, it will grow back. I refer to them as the fingernail parts and the finger parts. Cutting the tip of the beak (or the fingernail) means it will grow back in six weeks if done right. The big egg operations and sometimes meat debeak permanently with a hot rod. But you are right, I didn't consider the age of the birds. They are already too old and debeaking them now may cause additional stress.

Where are my manners?
I forgot to say welcome to BYC!