Pecking Issue

[Ted Brown]

Today was the third free range session: all day Sunday, 1 hour Monday, 2+ hours today.

I use sunflower seeds to get them back in although as dusk comes they are attentive to the coop.

I have a Ameriucana mix female that spends a great deal of time in a nest. At times I think broody, other times I think avoiding bullying from the ISA Browns. I am using a cat enclosure with gate, three fresh eggs inside (they have been moved out onto the floor once) to force her into brood mode if that is what it is. She got put in Sunday night, out quicklies to eat/stretch then back in until noon today when I left her out. I will enclose her again tonight.

I would not mind a brooded group, would combine with my Flock 1 (F2 is Chanteclers).

 

[Folly's place]

Production reds are notorious for being aggressive feather pecking hens in a flock; many of us gave up on them because of their behavior.
Why offer two feeds, especially a seed based mixed feed? Can you get a 20% crumble or pelleted feed, and use that only? Then have the oyster shell in a separate dish for them.
Mary

 

[Ted Brown]

@Folly's place

I want unmedicated which reduces options. I knew increased proteins in the winter was a good thing so I found/bought the 22% and a number on this board recommend high protein all the time. I just keep both after my 1st hatch happened.

I am open to a better way.

 

[Folly's place]

I don't know what's available where you shop, but consider an all flock or chick feed that's more in the 20% protein range, and then have oyster shell on the side. It's often better to avoid whole seed diets, unless you are fermenting them or something.
Mary

 

[aart]

I am using a cat enclosure with gate, three fresh eggs inside (they have been moved out onto the floor once) to force her into brood mode if that is what it is. She got put in Sunday night, out quicklies to eat/stretch then back in until noon today when I left her out. I will enclose her again tonight.

Maybe provide a nesting spot(cat carrier) with fake eggs,
but let her decide whether to go in or not...then you can tell if she's really broody or not.

 

[Ted Brown]

Maybe provide a nesting spot(cat carrier) with fake eggs,
but let her decide whether to go in or not...then you can tell if she's really broody or not.

There are real eggs in there already. I will switch to leave open tomorrow.

 

[aart]

There are real eggs in there already. I will switch to leave open tomorrow.

Point is why waste real eggs if a bird is not broody.

 

[Ted Brown]

Point is why waste real eggs if a bird is not broody.

You are so practical!

 

[Ted Brown]

 

[Folly's place]

Make sure that this crate is in a predator proof area! You can have the hen, eggs, and/or chicks killed by a raccoon in this sized cage. happened here, years ago, awful!
Mary