picking/pecking other chickens

[hkid22]

I have three Rhode Island Reds. They have just recently reached their maturing age. One is laying out of the three. I noticed yesterday that I have my "middle" pecking tail feathers out my last (in pecking order). My producer has nothing to do with it. I understand it's more than likely related to stress. I had a heat lamp on for them for about a week straight and recently changed their food. I unplugged the light now that its more than 25 degrees outside of St. Louis MO. Any other suggestions on how to de-stress my chickens? I dont want my middle to be bald or get picked on. TIA!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Winter is so not fun.
Can you put some pick-no-more on the gal that is getting pecked?

Other options include adding branches, saw horses, old tire with peat moss, to the run. Redecorating gives them something new to do.

With just 3 birds maybe you can hang an apple in the run and watch them play tether ball.

 

[Hamiam]

What size is your coop & what size is your run? What are you feeding?

 

[sourland]

Are you feeding a lower % protein feed than you were using before. Upon occasion feather pecking can be related to protein deficiency. In my experience it has been more closely related to stress, overcrowding, and boredom. If your birds are cooped up because of the weather this may very well be a factor. Sometimes it becomes necessary to fit the 'pecker' with Pin Less Peepers. They can be removed once feathers are regrown and stressors have been eliminated. Good luck.

 

[Welshies]

What size is your coop and run and how many birds?

 

[hkid22]

What size is your coop & what size is your run? What are you feeding?

I do not restrict their food or water. They have a 7 lb feeder and a 5 quart jug. It doesn't ice over. Their coop is 4x5 feet. Run is 4x8 feet.

 

[Hamiam]

I do not restrict their food or water. They have a 7 lb feeder and a 5 quart jug. It doesn't ice over. Their coop is 4x5 feet. Run is 4x8 feet.

The reason I asked about size is to rule out overcrowding. If you only have 3 chickens, the space you have is fine. I was asking what type of food. I like to feed a higher protein, "flock raiser 20%protein" & have oyster shell available all the time for pullets/hens to for their calcium. What ever your feeding, make sure it's at least 16% protein. Feathers are mostly protein & birds will pull & eat them if necessary. If it's not these causes, it could be boredom & @21hens-incharge gave you some good ideas above.

 

[Folly's place]

I've found 'production reds', which include hatchery RIRs, to be more likely to have this tendency to feather peck, and generally be more 'pushy' than many other breed types.
I also feed a 20% protein all-flock feed, and I think it makes a difference in my flock.
I would leave the heat lamp off; just make sure that your waterer is heated to prevent ice.
Mary

 

[Hamiam]

One more thing. You can put "Blue Kote" (found at farming store) on the affected areas. It helps with healing, helps hide wounds/bleeding to prevent more pecking, & I think it must taste bad because the peckers will leave it alone. I reapply everyday or so. Best wishes!

 

[lazy gardener]

Ditch the heat lamp, no matter what the temp. Too much heat can cause feather picking. My birds have just come through a cold streak with night time temps down to minus 14*F that lasted for at least 3 weeks. No supplemental heat, and they are fine.

They are coming into a high production period, and the cool temps require even more nutrition. If you are giving them ANY snack foods (scratch grains, kitchen scraps or any thing other than high protein snacks,) that is diluting their nutrition. I would put them on at least 18% protein or add some high protein to their 16% layer feed. Give them some stress busters, like a bale of hay to shred, a few bags of leaves or other material to dig through. You could toss in a hand full of kitty kibble for them to search for.