Plucking feathers out because stress?

[3chickchick]

This is my first time ever posting on forum and this is my first time raising chickens. I have so many questions about raising them. I would like to ask for help for my chicken pecking issue.
We have 3 chickens and they are about 24 weeks old now. One is Speckled Sussex and two are Golden Laced Wyandotte. The Speckled Sussex is the smallest but started laying eggs about 10 days ago. I think Golden Laced Wyandotte have not started laying eggs yet because we only one egg every other day. Our Specked Sussex is the smallest but she became bully now and started plucking other two feathers out from their heads and chest. We put Rooster Booster Pick No More lotions on the bare skin spots and seem work fine. She stopped pecking on these areas, but find different areas to peck on. We have 4 feet by 10 feet run including 4 feet by 4 feet sand box. We also add a 25-lb poultry block for them to peck on and a wood swing. First I thought they are too bored inside the run, but after adding block and swing, she still pecked on other two. We are consider to let them free range in the yard instead of keeping inside the run. Our yard is decent size and have grass, fruit trees, vegetable garden. But I am afraid to clip their wings so I still keep them inside the run for now. Our fence are about 4 to 6 feet high. I would like to know how do I stop her pecking others and should I just let them out in the yard during day time and is clipping wings are necessary? Thank you for any advise and suggestion.

 

[bobbi-j]

We are thinking to free range them in our yard. But is necessary to clip their wings?
And will free range help the pecking situation? Thanks.

The only way to know if free ranging will help is to try it. I think it will. More space is always better.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I would try free ranging, or at least, fencing off a larger area within your yard that they can use, to give them more space. You have enough space technically speaking, however the issue with super small runs is they simply don't have enough space to add clutter: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/ which helps keep chickens busy and provides hiding spaces if they get picked on.

I'd also caution you on the use of the flock block - they might enjoy the goodies in it, but I bet it's diluting down the protein in their overall diet, which can contribute to picking problems.

 

[LaFleche]

corn as treat

I would cut the corn completely as this only deletes the protein percentage even more.

And of course, just like before mentioned the run should be extended so they will be able to not invade each others personal space when passing by.

 

[aart]

Low fat fish packed in water would be a good animal protein supplement.
Won't make up for a crowded space or a neurotically aggressive bird.

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

Oh my! She's quite the little pecker! The space is rather small so it would be hard to add perches and obstacles and extra feeding stations but that is one thing I would advise. So the other two have room for escape.
I would try physically separating the bully in a cage with-in the coop so she can see but not touch/ kinda like a kids time out and let the other two resume normal chicken activity without the harassment. She might be able to settle herself down and regain some composure and patience by watching the other two for a week or so then introducing her back in. That would also boost the other two's confidence in their surroundings.
You can also try the chicken eye blinders. It will keep her from seeing straight on limiting their ability to peck precisely.

 

[aart]

The additional run is 4 feet wide by 10 feet long and 5.5 feet tall. The coop itself is about 4 feet wide by 4.5 feet long.

Kind of tight. Tho it matches the 4/10 rule of thumb(minimum IMO).
The 4' width is not enough for subordinates to get far enough away from a superior.
You may need more space, or you could just have an overly aggressive bird.

 

[aart]

And if you want to completely switch to the All Flock Raiser (20% crude protein) like @aart does with her flock successfully, you might just feed them some raw carrots and other vegetables and fruit as treats so their kidneys will not be compromised by the higher protein percentage.

I feed the higher protein to balance out the scratch grains I give daily...work out to about 18%.
But I seriously doubt 20% will trash their kidneys.

 

[3chickchick]

I doubt that too, especially when free-ranging, but when kept in a bare run and provided with feed ad lib some breeds may get problems stuffing themselves.

I think I will mix the All Flock Raiser and their current feed. We are working on extension of the run. It should be about 3 times more space. Hopefully I will have happy chicken again.

 

[3chickchick]

I would try free ranging, or at least, fencing off a larger area within your yard that they can use, to give them more space. You have enough space technically speaking, however the issue with super small runs is they simply don't have enough space to add clutter: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/ which helps keep chickens busy and provides hiding spaces if they get picked on.

I'd also caution you on the use of the flock block - they might enjoy the goodies in it, but I bet it's diluting down the protein in their overall diet, which can contribute to picking problems.

Thank you so much for your advise. We are working on extending the chicken run for them. Hopefully we finish up in couple days. Thanks again.