Small flock, first eggs, and pecking begins

[EggSighted4Life]

@aart the bird being bullied is the only one who didn't start laying yet... So yes, it just onset for the other two who are doing the bullying. And chickens like dogs (and some people) will gang up on whoever is at the bottom.

 

[aart]

@aart the bird being bullied is the only one who didn't start laying yet... So yes, it just onset for the other two who are doing the bullying. And chickens like dogs (and some people) will gang up on whoever is at the bottom.

Missed that part, thanks.
So, yeah, hopefully she starts laying soon.....
....or those hormone surging egg droppers back off soon.

Still wonder how long the others have been laying...maybe I better go back ad read it again.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I mostly just meant that your thought was fairly accurate.

 

[GritChicks]

Thank you! For the grower feed we added a feed with 18% protein, and the layer feed is 16% protein. I mixed it 50/50 with OS and grit on the side, and added a second waterer just in case. Sounds like maybe switching over to the all flock feed at a higher protein content may be the next step?

The Americauna has started to lay eggs, and at a frantic rate of 1-2 per day (in the winter no less!). She started laying 2 weeks ago. The Orpington has laid 1 egg last week. These are the two bullies.
The Barred Rock that is being picked on has not laid her first egg yet. Maybe a part of the issue?

We added lots of perches to the run yesterday, and so long as Rocky is up high, they leave her alone. Free range as often as possible, which also seems to help, but it started to snow tonight, so this will likely change tomorrow.

 

[aart]

I'm guessing it's multi-issue thing....combination of POL pecking order scuffles, small space, and lower protein.
If you haven't mixed the whole bag of grower with layer, I'd feed straight grower for at least a few weeks and save the layer for later.
Pics of your coop and run, inside and out......and knowing your climate/location might spur some more suggestions.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thank you! For the grower feed we added a feed with 18% protein, and the layer feed is 16% protein. I mixed it 50/50 with OS and grit on the side, and added a second waterer just in case. Sounds like maybe switching over to the all flock feed at a higher protein content may be the next step?

The Americauna has started to lay eggs, and at a frantic rate of 1-2 per day (in the winter no less!). She started laying 2 weeks ago. The Orpington has laid 1 egg last week. These are the two bullies.
The Barred Rock that is being picked on has not laid her first egg yet. Maybe a part of the issue?

We added lots of perches to the run yesterday, and so long as Rocky is up high, they leave her alone. Free range as often as possible, which also seems to help, but it started to snow tonight, so this will likely change tomorrow.

They can still range in the snow.

Guess her name is Rocky.... she better get "the eye of tiger" and show them how the cow ate the cabbage!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Just so you know.... your "Ameraucana" is most assuredly an Easter Egger. And in my experience get zero consistency of laying. Had one lay 21 day in a row, 1 day off, another 14 in a row, 1 day off, a few more, then no laying for several weeks, and then started again. But still no consistency ever came to her. She was still a fun chicken.

With your 50/50 mix you are still only getting 17% protein. Like aart said I might just feed the grower and save the layer.

My BR laid at 20, 22, and 24 weeks, when they were February born. So winter maturing may come even slower. My June EE, one started laying at 21 weeks and the other still isn't. All birds are individuals is my actual point.

 

[chickens really]

I have Amueruacana and EEs.........With EEs it depends on the cross and balance in Nutrition........My Birds lay regularly and nice sized eggs...
I mix Grower and Layer at 50/50 till my Birds are 1 years old........Then mix Layer and Finisher 50/50 till first molt....




Cheers!