not sure what to do

[irish44395]

 

[irish44395]

sorry for the double post but these are my girls you have to look close to see the girls would not cooperate also pic of there coop and run

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I think perhaps they are just sorting out the pecking order. It's also possible they are bored. But it sounds like they have very good care.

 

[irish44395]

I have been thinking of adding a few things for them to climb and sit on thanks

 

[Mrs. K]

I have been thinking of adding a few things for them to climb and sit on thanks

I noticed that your run looked empty to me, and thought about suggesting this very thing. Roosts, platforms, chairs, things to get on top of, behind, underneath can make it much more interesting.

But I would look again at the hens, spreading the feathers apart, and looking carefully at the skin level. I think you might have lice or mites, and sometimes, they will itch so bad, that the bird herself will dig a hole in the feathers. Do not use DE if you find bugs, but a true pesticide. It is the only way you will get rid of the them. DE does not work, it is a wives tale.

Mrs K

 

[irish44395]

thanks I'll add some more things and do a inspection again to make sure if I have mites or lice what would be the best way to treat it if DE doesn't work thanks

 

[3KillerBs]

I have been thinking of adding a few things for them to climb and sit on thanks

I find that it helps to remember that chickens are creatures of the forest floor so it helps to try to mimic that sort of environment if possible.

Here's a useful thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

The two things I find that my chickens use most are the pallet up on blocks and the overturned plastic lawn chairs (which I turn right side up when I want a poop-free surface to sit on).

Farm stores sell poultry dust for treating lice and mites.

This is just one product available: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/y-tex-gardstar-garden-poultry-dust?cm_vc=-10005

 

[Sammster]

Good idea to add climbing structures. Also search "boredom busters" for enrichment ideas. Have you checked them for lice and mites?

 

[Chickeeaholic]

I had 3 Saphire Gems too until I had to rehome 1/2 of my flock. They are wonderful birds! They were by far the most curious of my flock. I let them out through the day and if I was working on something they were always underfoot watching to see what I was doing. The one we called Peeper would even jump on the 4 wheeler for rides. I always thought if I was to have a free range flock I would have this breed. Completely fearless (they would even chase off the dog), adaptable and so smart. I image they do get bord very easily. They were busy birds. You might have luck giving them water bottles with holes with meal worms in them and puzzles like that? This breed seems to need that sort of thing more than most. Good luck with them, they are very good layers!
Peeper is on the right.