Need Help with Pecking...Missing feathers

[Wickedchicken6]

No apology necessary. Just good that we can understand where each of us is coming from. I often think that everyone is functioning within the same situation I am facing. It's good to see that what affects me does not affect you, and what works for you may not work for me, simply based on the "things we have available to us." Oh how I wish there was a mill near me! It would make "getting fresh feed" a non issue. And, the box stores that are often the ONLY option for many of us here in the states can be absolutely pathetic. The small locally owned stores, that also only carry "chain" feeds can have feed that is way old, covered with dust, and insect ridden sitting on their shelves.

I'm guessing I'd be 8-10 hours east of chickens really. Big box store chick food is the only thing close in our area. I believe I've had issues last year at this time with two of the popular chains...and but I've had very good luck with the Peavymart chick starter. Which is shipped from Alberta, two provinces away...lol. Too ironic...lol. I have a terrible time sourcing it...they don't get it in consistently so I'm left with hoarding it to have feed available at all times. Sadly it's a 100% veg protein. Our closest mill is two hours away and I'd have to buy a pallet of feed at time (40 bags) I feed a lot of our own grain so it's almost too much to buy at once to stay fresh. (maybe in the winter)

I have suspicions that a good animal protein fed to the affected hen who is picking may be helpful. I think it's a deficiency the hens are trying to provide for themselves. I shouldn't be able to overcrowd my birds the way I do and not have them pick feathers or each other. Or eggs. My protein can't be that high with all the grain I give. The raw eggs I feed to them helps average that out but at best they must only be getting 15% or so right now. One bag of starter lasts a week or so right now. That's about 85 birds (15 are chicks) and 19 guineas. And now I have them fenced in a tighter run. I don't think I can be that lucky...lol.