Vitamin Supplements?

[mylilchix]

I've just started putting Avia Charge into the chickens water after a recent pecking incident. Are there any other vitamin supplements available other than Avia Charge?

Thanks,
Sonja

 

[RendonRoo]

My feed store carries vitamins and electrolytes that you mix with their water. I've been told that you should only give it as a pick me up for weak chicks. Their starter feed should have everything they need in it for healthy chicks. Good Luck and welcome to BYC

 

[Wynette]

Sonja, Avia Charge 2000 is the very best thing out there for chickens. What sort of pecking incident did you have? We might be able to give you some feedback there...

 

[mylilchix]

It all started when we had to move our big blue cochin roo to a bachelor pad. He was wearing off all of my girls back feathers even with saddles on. As soon as he moved out, the girls started rearranging the pecking order. My RIR and 1 australorp started pecking everyones neck and tail feathers out. My once beautiful cochins, brahmas, and faverolles look horrible. Not only do they have bare backs, but they have bare behinds and necks now too!! They get a balanced diet; Purina Layena Crumbles, scratch, BOS, and treats. After trying anti-pick cream with little success, I got them some Avia Charge. I'm starting to see small improvements, but I've ordered some poly peepers for the girls in hopes that will help. I don't want to move my roo back in until the girls have feathers on their backs again either. I think he protected his favorites. I'd love any suggestions to help this pecking order problem!!!

Thanks,
Sonja

 

[CovenantCreek]

Additional protein will be the best thing for helping them regrow feathers. Cooked eggs, low sodium meats, and fish meal are all good sources for them.

 

[Wynette]

It sounds like overcrowding to me...how much room do they have? The behavior you describe sounds like they are simply bored, which is usually caused by overcrowding. You can try giving them things to do to "enrich" their lives and take their minds off pecking each other. Some suggestions are to hang a head of cabbage in the run for them - right at head level. If you have a way to hang it so that it swings, it will take them awhile to get ahold of it to get a piece, and it's also fun to watch them! I also use a suet feeder hung from the ceiling of the run, and stuff it full with greens and such. Again, they have to work to get the food out, so it takes them time and concentration...and takes their minds off of pecking each other. You can also take items into the run for them to jump on and such. I have an old garbage can that I sawed in 1/2 so it's sort of like a tunnel. I move it around every few days and they run through it and hop on top of it. I also have some plastic bins that I move around and lean up against the walls...just change things up for them now & then. That might help. Also, pecking sometimes is from not enough protein; you can try throwing in a handful of dry cat food every other day for a week and see if you notice any changes in their behavior. Not a good idea to feed this on a regular basis, but I do feed it when my flock is molting; it helps them through a bit easier. Avia CHarge 2000 is a great addition to your feeding program, and I'm sure that will help. GOOD LUCK!!

 

[mylilchix]

I don't think over crowding was the problem. We have a 7'x8' coop with a large attached run. I'll have to try cabbage. What do you use to hang the cabbage? I think they'll have fun with that. I was also thinking of getting them a flock block, too. I removing the roo upset the apple cart! Thanks for the great tips everyone!!!

Sonja