Category: Managing the Flock

Feather Picking Among Chickens

Possible Reasons For This Problem & What To Do About It

Feather picking in chickens is a behavior where birds peck at and pull out feathers from themselves or other birds. This can range from minor feather damage to baldness and, in severe cases, injury. Why do chickens engage in this behavior? There are several reasons to consider, so let’s take a look at the most common ones and see if we can get to the bottom of this problem.

Common Causes

Nutritional Deficiency:

Protein Deficiency: Chickens may pick feathers if their diet lacks adequate protein, as feathers are a source of keratin, a protein.
Mineral Imbalances: Deficiencies or imbalances in minerals like sodium or calcium can also trigger feather picking.
Note: Just because the feed bag or retailer claims it is a high-quality, healthy feed doesn’t mean it is. Switch it up by buying different name-brand feed and supplementing with fresh foods such as fruits, greens, eggs, grains, and meat. Remember this the next time you consider throwing away your table scraps. If deficiencies are suspected, especially during molting when feather growth demands more nutrients, consider adding nutritional supplements.
Ensure chickens are receiving a balanced diet with the right levels of protein (16-20%, depending on their stage) and minerals.


Stress / Common Causes:


Overcrowding: When too many birds are kept in a small space, stress and competition for resources can lead to feather picking. Ensure that chickens have enough space to move freely. The recommended space is about 2-3 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8-10 square feet per bird in the outdoor run.
Boredom or Lack of Enrichment: Chickens need mental and physical stimulation, which is especially important for confined birds. Boredom can drive them to feather pick as a way to occupy themselves.
What to do: Chickens are curious, so add things that are new and different. They are also foragers, so give them the opportunity to scratch around the coop looking for treats. Provide perches, dust baths, and items like hanging vegetables or toys to keep chickens occupied and reduce boredom.

Comfort

Birds living in an uncomfortable environment, such as too hot or cold. Especially too hot.
You can learn about how to manage your flock in the heat HERE.

Hierarchical Behavior:


Dominance: Chickens establish a pecking order, and feather picking can be a way for dominant birds to assert control over others. To ensure a stable and peaceful flock, avoid introducing new birds abruptly and manage the flock size appropriately.
Friendly advice: If certain birds are persistently picking feathers, identify the aggressors. They may need to be separated from the flock temporarily or permanently. Why? Because intervention is key to preventing the behavior from becoming a chronic issue.

Health Issues:


Parasites: External parasites like mites or lice can cause irritation, leading chickens to pick at their feathers. Regularly check for and treat external parasites. Dust baths can help in natural parasite control.

One More Thing…

Keep in mind that chickens lose feathers for other reasons which are completely normal, such as:
Molting, which can happen at least once a year, sometimes more.
A good egg producer can have poor feather growth because all her energy is busy making eggs for you.
Broody hens often pull out their own feathers when nesting.

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    What’s New in the Chicken Coop

    The Ultimate Set-up Just Got Better

    There have been many coop improvements made over the winter. The coop was once an open-sided covered corral for horses that I had professionally enclosed with heavy-grade hardware cloth – more about that build HERE.
    The desert doesn’t offer many options for lush greenery, but I managed to find bushes native to the desert southwest and planted three of them in front of the barn for a little color and hopefully some shade when they mature. I have a giant drum fan to help move the air in the coop, and it’s suitable for normal summer heat, but Phoenix doesn’t have normal heat; we have to keep chickens alive in 115+ temps, which is nearly impossible without human intervention. Usually, that means a mist system of some sort, along with fans, ice, and whatever else might offer them some relief. In other words, everything needed to keep chickens alive in these ridiculous high temps is a giant inconvenience and one I was determined to somewhat avoid this summer. Here’s what I came up with…
    I bit the bullet and bought an evaporative cooler large enough to cool the coop area. I also bought 10 lb. feeders and scattered them in different areas of the coop to help minimize feeding chores. Daily farm chores now are basically watering and clean-up. Even my clean-up chores are easier now since I ditched the pine shavings and switched to sand. If you want to know more about sand vs. shavings, all the information is in a previous article HERE.
    Purchasing an evaporative cooler is a double win-win scenario: it benefits the chickens by providing a more comfortable environment, and let’s be honest, it’s a relief for me as well. Working in scorching temperatures I definitely won’t miss.

    About The Evap. Cooler…
    Portacool 2000-CFM 2-Speed Outdoor Evaporative Cooler

    What’s an evaporative cooler? It produces cool air wherever needed, such as a backyard patio, garage, barn, or workshop. Evaporative coolers are most effective in dry climates where humidity levels are low. They can be an energy-efficient and cost-effective cooling solution compared to traditional air conditioning systems, as they consume less electricity. You can learn more about this evap. cooler or check out the large selection of different models available at Lowe’s.

    TBN Ranch Chicken Coop

    The Coop, Inside & Out…

    A Few of the Hens…

    A Guide for Keeping Chickens in Hot Climates

    There are many ways to help your chickens survive the heat of summer. Luckily, in most parts of the country, this isn’t a big concern. However, if you are a desert dweller and have chickens, you’ll find a wealth of information in this article on how to manage them in hot weather.

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    About Agricultural Lime in the Coop

    Uses, Precautions, & General Information

    In chicken coops, agricultural lime, also known as calcium carbonate or calcitic lime, is commonly used. It is typically sold in garden centers, feed stores and sometimes hardware stores. Agricultural lime is used for various purposes in chicken coops, but is it right for your coop needs? Hope this information helps you decide.

    The Benefits of Agricultural Lime
    Keeping the chicken coop smelling fresh is important, and lime plays a key role in this. Lime helps to get rid of bad smells by balancing out acidic substances and lowering the levels of ammonia in the chicken waste and bedding. This makes the environment nicer for both the chickens and the people taking care of them.
    Disease Prevention: Lime has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce the risk of bacterial and fungal growth in the coop. By controlling microbial populations, it can contribute to the overall health and hygiene of the chicken coop.
    Drying Agent: Lime can absorb moisture, which helps to keep the coop bedding dry. This is important for preventing the growth of mold and bacteria, as well as reducing the risk of respiratory issues in the chickens.
    Pest Control: Lime can deter pests such as flies and mites, which are common nuisances in chicken coops. Its alkaline nature can make the environment less hospitable for these pests.
    Precautions
    When using lime in a chicken coop, it’s important to follow recommended guidelines for application to ensure the safety and well-being of your chickens. Lime is typically applied to the floor of the coop and always in moderate amounts. Overuse of lime can lead to excessively high pH levels, which may be harmful to the chickens.
    It’s also crucial to follow recommended safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear like masks and gloves when handling lime, as it can be caustic to skin and eyes in its powdered form. Remember, good ventilation is always important to prevent the inhalation of lime dust.
    Just a Little Reminder:
    Always Be Safe Around Chickens
    You should always wear a mask when cleaning the coop; it just makes good sense to avoid inhaling debris from a chicken coop. You can learn more about the importance of wearing a mask HERE.

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