Peaking and causing open wounds

[cajunlizz]

We have 29 teens that are 13 - 14 weeks old .

They have been peaking themselves BAD . to the point of drawing blood .


We were given a can of Blue Lotion Spray and used it ALL ... Hubby went to feedstore and was sold another kind of blue/purple spray that was told this will last longer after spraying , and because of taste will discourage further peaking.


I had an idea and I want to run this by you guys , I was thinking maybe I could use bedadine and maybe MIX it 1/2 and 1/2 with water and spray them ? IF this is indeed OK and SAFE , what mixture do I use ?

 

[nnbreeder]

I would increase the are that they have to run in and boost their feed protien level to at least 20% and it should help with the problem.

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
the area is 12 x20 , more than plenty of room


Which feed has the most protein ? I now have them on straight laying pellets .... and scraps and anything from leftovers from the house .


WHY do they DO all this pecking ? ITS not from over crowding , and even inside the coop at night they have PLENTY of ventilation .

 

[bayouchica]

Hi, maybe try some cat food? Your chickens are 13-14 weeks on layer? Layer doesn't have enough protein for growing chics & they need to be on chic starter or grower.
Are they standards or bantams?

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
they are RIR's , Black Austrolorps and Barred rocks

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
they are RIR's , Black Austrolorps and Barred rocks

Cat Food ? Why cat food ?

 

[nnbreeder]

A couple of hand fulls of cat food will boost the protien level and satisfy the bird's nutritional needs. I would get some grower however of at least 20%, feed free choice and cut out all of the scraps at this age. A chicken will do what is needed to get the nutrition it needs even if it means killing and eating another chick.