Pecking order

[Jadakraft1]

Hello everyone, I just want to say thank you in advance for your thoughts in my soon to be story!
I’ve noticed a few weeks back that my chickens and roosters we’re getting pecked very bad!! I have some that are almost bare and such.
I thought it was the ducks in the run with them, but I haven’t seen any aggression with them. However, I’m not able to spend as much time like I did through the summer!!
I will admit that they don’t have enough room in their run. A couple of weeks ago I powdered them all, and put the rest of the DE in the coop!! I didn’t notice anything under their feathers.
I’m thinking they’re bored is why they’re pecking each other.
I bought them some toys and installed them over the weekend. I’m waiting for the weekend to come to see how they’re doing!!
Please let me know your thoughts!! Thank you!

 

[cherrynberry]

how big is the run?
Why did you powder them?

 

[Jadakraft1]

how big is the run?
Why did you powder them?

I dusted them in the case of mites or lice! The run is 20x20’

 

[LateBirdFarms]

What are you feeding them? Is it possible it's a nutritional deficiency and they're after the extra protein?
Is it possible to add some vertical enrichment if your run is undersized for your amount of birds?

 

[Aunt Angus]

How many birds are in that 20x20 run? If there's not enough space and they're bored, feather picking often ensues.

Can you expand the run? Or add obstacles?

 

[Jadakraft1]

What are you feeding them? Is it possible it's a nutritional deficiency and they're after the extra protein?
Is it possible to add some vertical enrichment if your run is undersized for your amount of birds?

They eat corn, oats, scratch, sunflowers, layer feed!!
Not really possible! Pine trees above!

 

[Jadakraft1]

How many birds are in that 20x20 run? If there's not enough space and they're bored, feather picking often ensues.

Can you expand the run? Or add obstacles?

15

 

[Jadakraft1]

How many birds are in that 20x20 run? If there's not enough space and they're bored, feather picking often ensues.

Can you expand the run? Or add obstacles?

We can add more to it if the weather holds out!! Wind is 90+mph right now

 

[Aunt Angus]

15

That's a pretty decent size for 15. I was expecting you to say you had a lot more birds, for some reason. What's that saying about assuming? LOL!

Could they be molting? It is that time of year. Or are you seeing actual pecking wounds???

But maybe their feathers are just being blown off! Goodness! That wind! I hope you and your home are ok!!!!!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Photos of the run in this case would be helpful. You mentioned buying toys, what does that entail? Plenty of clutter, hopefully?