Advice for Feather Pecking issue?

[raisingthelma]

Does anyone have any advice for how to deal with feather pecking? My chickens are healthy (I have gone through extensive testing for mites, lice, worms, etc... no issues there). There are 2 that are the main culprits, and I've separated them for a few days and reintegrated them but that didn't work. They have access all day to 17% protein feed. They have enrichment toys with black soldier larvae and scratch. And plenty of space. I only have 5 birds, and they have their 4'x8' coop and an attached 5'x12' run. This hasn't been a problem all winter until a few weeks ago (it's still snowing where I live, so they won't be free range again until end of April). Is 17% protein not enough this time of year? The one that's the main culprit eats the feathers. Would appreciate any kind advice. They're all 10 months old and have been laying for 4.5 months. Thank you in advance!

 

[rosemarythyme]

17% is on the lower side (most people would recommend 18-20%) but also if you're giving out a lot of treats, the treats are diluting the overall protein intake.

Boredom could also be a culprit, if they normally free ranged before then this is a long time to be "cooped up" so the speak. It also sounds like their main form of enrichment is food, which only gives them something to do until it's gone. Consider cluttering up your space so they have a way to get away from one another and just to keep them busy: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/page-6#post-25037140 Even something as simple as a pile of dried leaves will occupy them for hours.

 

[Mrs. K]

Pin less peepers might really help til you get to spring.

 

[raisingthelma]

17% is on the lower side (most people would recommend 18-20%) but also if you're giving out a lot of treats, the treats are diluting the overall protein intake.

Boredom could also be a culprit, if they normally free ranged before then this is a long time to be "cooped up" so the speak. It also sounds like their main form of enrichment is food, which only gives them something to do until it's gone. Consider cluttering up your space so they have a way to get away from one another and just to keep them busy: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/page-6#post-25037140 Even something as simple as a pile of dried leaves will occupy them for hours.

Pin less peepers might really help til you get to spring.

Thank you both for your insights! I'll try upping the protein first and adding more enrichment other than food to see if that works. Pinless peepers next if not!

 

[Mrs. K]

Change due to feed will be slow, feather picking is a need and a habit. Once the habit gets very established it can be hard to break.