Pecker Recker for 3 month old chicks - says it contains Oyster shell can I still give it to them?

[wahmommy]

My 3 month old pullets are bored and starting to feather pick. I want to give them something to occupy them, and I am planning on putting a cabbage in with them but I was also going to get some Pecker Recker- but it says one of the ingredients has oyster shells. I can make one too, but I'm under the weather today and think my best line of action is a drive to the feed store to pick one up rather than trying to cook

Anyway, I didn't know if its safe because I know chicks who are still aways from laying shouldn't have oyster shell...

 

[Mrs. K]

feather picking is often a sign of not enough protien or more probable, not enough space, as they grow they need more and more space? I know you are not feeling the best to day, but might consider it.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Sounds like they don't have enough room. Any way to get them more space?

Do you have a white light on them 24/7? No dark period can cause pullets to peck.

The other cause of pecking can be not enough protein. We use a higher-protein feed in the winter when there are no bugs to eat. We've also fed cat food as treats to pecking pullets.

 

[donrae]

Yeah, first thing that came to my mind was how many birds and how much space? Mine are never bored enough to feather pick, and I don't provide "entertainment" for them.

 

[wahmommy]

They are definitely in too small a space, its four 3 month old pullets in a box that is about 10 square feet. I am waiting for the builder to finish our new large coop and run, but for various reasons it just keeps getting put off (scheduling, then rain, etc.). I called to a local appliance store the same day I posted this to try and get another 10 square foot box but they won't have more boxes until tomorrow. Once I get another box I will put two pullets in each - and then maybe I can figure out who is doing the picking as well. I am also putting them outside in a kids play yard that measures about 25 feet for several hours a day but because we are surrounded by predators (hawks, coyotes) I don't feel comfortable leaving them out there while I go out, only when I am at home. Right now all four are still together, but hopefully tomorrow they will have more space. So far they have completely ignored the pecker recker and the cabbage on a rope I put in the box...

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Sounds like they're stressed. When you get them more room, the bad behavior should stop.