Pecking 6 week break then more pecking

[polk county]

When the hens were young they used to pull tail feathers out. They took a break when they got older. Now that they are laying eggs they are pecking again. Half of the 15 hens have bare raw backs. I feed then laying mash only. They have 96 sq ft. I bought them oyster shells today in case calcium defiency is the cause. Just a guess.

Why did they all of the sudden start pecking again?

thanks

 

[underground chickenman]

Feather picking can be nutritional, usually protein, but it can also be from boredom, overcrowding, overheating, and other problems. If you suspect nutritional deficiencies are the cause, try switching to starter crumbles, but be sure to add a free choice calcium supplement such as oyster shell free because starter feed, while having a higher protein content, does not have enough calcium for laying hens. Throw in some black oil sunflower seeds for them to scratch every now and then, which will give them more protein and occupy them. You can also hang a cabbage for them to peck at instead of each other.

You have quite a few chickens crammed into a pretty small space. Is that the total space, or do that have free access to the outside or a run? If that is it, overcrowding could be your problem.

UGCM

 

[polk county]

Thanks
96 sq ft is the house only, the outside run isnt dog proof yet but when it's done it will add another 100 sq ft.

thanks again

 

[theFox]

If those chickens are heavy chickens they need a minimum of 10 square feet of floor space per bird if confined all of the time. This space doesn't count roosting space, feeder and waterer space, or nest box space.

You can get away with far less space than that (4 square feet per bird) by allowing the birds a lot of access to an outside pen and only having them inside for roosting and laying.

It will make all the difference in the world if what you are experiencing is due to stress and boredom.

You should consider yourself lucky that you haven't lost any birds because of cannibalism.