Peeking feathers out

[cajunlizz]

what are some of the reasons the chicks go around peeking feathers out from the flock ? Anything I can do to prevent this ?

 

[SeaChick]

1) overcrowding- how much space for how many birds do you have?

2) protein difficiency- feed meat scraps, worms, black oil sunflower seeds, etc.

3) boredom- give them something to do: fresh hay bale to pull apart, clob of dirt with worms in it, head of cabbage on a string, etc.

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
well , I have (15 ) 10 - 12 week old chicks in a 6ft. by 6 ft. deep cage with plenty ventilation .

Hubby is building them a RUN & COOP this week , so I am sure that will solve most of that problem .....

 

[SeaChick]

The new coop and run will probably help. We have 4 twelve-week chicks in about 2 x 5 right now and it's not really enough room, in my opinion.... they'll have more space soon.

The general rule of thumb is to allow, as a MINIMUM, for standard-sized chickens:
interior/henhouse useable floor space = 4 sqare feet per hen
exterior/run/pen = 10 square feet per hen.

So for your chickens you'd want a henhouse with 60 square feet of useable floor space, and a run with 150 square feet. ( But you can get by with less if they'll be out free-ranging most of the time.)

Hope this helps!

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
well total ......... we have 7 laying hens and (28 ) 10 to 12 week old chicks .

Hubby is building a FULL RUN 12 x20 and COOP 8x12 ............. THINK THIS WILL BE BIG ENOUGH ?

I am betting he will change his mind about the size of the coop and make it larger . Ima hoping he would at least go 12x12

 

[SeaChick]

Are you planning to let them out to free range or will they be in the coop/run most of the time?

So, 35 birds, total? If they're confined, you'd ideally want
350 sf run space, minimum
140 sq feet interior space minimum

12 x 20 = 240 sq feet of run......
8 x 12 = 96 sq feet of interior......

I dunno. Maybe other folks will chime in. I only have experience witha small flock. But, I'd think you if you're keeping them confined you may find you have pecking issues from over-crowding.

Anyone else with large flocks?? What do you think??

 

[BearSwampChick]

IMO that isn't nearly big enough. SeaChick is right. Better adjust your plans for the coop and run.

 

[dangerouschicken]

They like to pick at each other. Unfortunately, that is their nature. Giving more space does make a difference, but not always. I have 1/2 the birds I used to and they still beat up on each other.

 

[cajunlizz]

Quote:
NO , We live in the city limits and they have to either be in cages or in a closed in area . they will be in the RUN during the day and only in the coop at night .

 

[Penske]

I have 13 10 week olds that went outside at 7 weeks old (they were in the coop since 3 weeks). At 6 weeks old, one began plucking feathers from the others as if she was at a buffet! Our coop has 71 sq ft of floor space (so about 5.5 sq ft/ chicken). Now that they are outside, (run is 500 sq ft) there are NO behavior problems. They get along beautifully without any squabbles. So, like Sea Chick, I would err on the side of MORE space. Less hassels in the long run. Plus..

I can add more when I'm ready!!!

I had old timers tell me I was crazy not to order de-beaked chicks..."they'll pick each other like crazy...you have alot to learn about chickens, missy". They are shocked to see a happy flock of pullets with their beaks and wings intact. The only difference is they are not living in crowded conditions.

I've learned SO much from this site and I thank you!