Rats and flock block

[SemiSweet2391]

If they are feather picking I would not get a flock block, if anything they might need more protein. Best way to give them more protein is to switch to a higher protein feed and cut back on treats. I would also make sure they have adequate room (4sqft of coop space and 10sqft of run space minimum per bird) and possibly invest in pinless peepers. You can also put some of the leaves you're likely raking up in the run for enrichment. It'll provide lots of entertainment and won't throw their diet out of whack

Ah ok. Great ideas. They are on chick feed so that’s good. I do have a lot of leaves we have 4 trees on our property.

 

[K0k0shka]

I’m having a plucking problem so I thought it might help distract them but the last thing I want is to make things worse…

Flock block promotes more fighting, that's one more reason why I don't like it. It's a small thing that everybody is trying to get to at the same time, so the pushier chickens will hog it and not let the others get to it, and can get defensive and peck/pluck even more. If you give them treats, the kind that you can scatter over a large area, or have several stations at a time, are much better for spreading the flock so they aren't fighting over a limited resource (or a limited area from which they can reach the resource).

 

[Al Gerhart]

Everyone just remember, with rats, rarely do chickens go after them and the rats will happily eat during daylight hours. Taking the block in before dark does help some but the rats will still get to the block. Mice, hens will get them most of the time, likely won't cause problems leaving a block out all day.

 

[SemiSweet2391]

Flock block promotes more fighting, that's one more reason why I don't like it. It's a small thing that everybody is trying to get to at the same time, so the pushier chickens will hog it and not let the others get to it, and can get defensive and peck/pluck even more. If you give them treats, the kind that you can scatter over a large area, or have several stations at a time, are much better for spreading the flock so they aren't fighting over a limited resource (or a limited area from which they can reach the resource).

Good to know, thanks! You learn something new everyday.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They're ok in moderation but I only put them out for a few hours when the girls might be really bored, i.e. snowed in or staying inside due to flooding. Just gives them something to interact with when space is temporarily at a premium.