Pecking each other

[lazy gardener]

If you turn that run into a deep litter, that will help immensely. As PP stated, your coop and run space are both on the tight side.

 

[Chick2chicken]

About that vaseline thing though, I read that it can be bad for the chickens if they eat it so is it okay to put it on their feathers that they are pecking?

 

[bobbi-j]

About that vaseline thing though, I read that it can be bad for the chickens if they eat it so is it okay to put it on their feathers that they are pecking?

I wouldn't put vaseline on them. Instead, I'd look into finding the root of the problem and fixing that. Start by enlarging your run, giving them multiple levels of roost space, hiding places, and maybe multiple feeding and watering stations. Make sure they're getting plenty of protein. If you can, let them out to free range now and again. Maybe try a flock block for them.

 

[lazy gardener]

Animal protein is perferable.

 

[Chick2chicken]

Animal protein for their feathers

 

[aart]

Animal protein for their feathers

No...the birds need to eat some animal protein...mealworms, scrambled eggs, meat scraps, freshly trapped mouse, etc.
They may be eating feathers because they crave some animal protein in their diet.

My Feeding Notes: I like to feed a flock raiser/grower/finisher 20% protein crumble full time to all ages and genders, as non-layers(chicks, males and molting birds) do not need the extra calcium that is in layer feed and chicks and molters can use the extra protein. Makes life much simpler to store and distribute one type of chow that everyone can eat. I do grind up the crumbles (in the blender) for the chicks for the first week or so.

The higher protein crumble also offsets the 8% protein scratch grains and other kitchen/garden scraps I like to offer. I adjust the amounts of other feeds to get the protein levels desired with varying situations.

Calcium should be available at all times for the layers, I use oyster shell mixed with rinsed, dried, crushed chicken egg shells in a separate container.

Animal protein (a freshly trapped mouse, mealworms, a little cheese - beware the salt content, meat scraps) is provided once in while and during molting and/or if I see any feather eating.

 

[Chick2chicken]

We have gotten two eggs and we are convinced they came from the same hen the other three look close to laying, should I still give them all the oyster shells. Thanks for that stuff about the protein I will see how I can provide more protein for my flock.
thanks