Part 0800.0005

[Eggasperated]

Is is possible that choice of layers pellets has an effect on feather pecking?

I have always used organic feed from the Organic feed company (part of the Allen and Page group) which is fairly small crumb and therefore takes a while to eat, between the three of them they eat an average of 400g a day. Is it possible this isn't giving them all the nutrients they need? Should I try a change of food? Or am I just clutching at straws in the quest to solve the feather pecking .

[Space Chick]

There is a school of thought that says its a need for additional protein.

 

However, I have 2 persistent peckers and despite giving additional protein in Mealworms, they still peck feathers when others are dustbathing, and only during dustbathing. The thing that gets me is that the girls that are dustbathing don't seem to mind.

[Eggasperated]

Yes I've been down the additional protein route as well (cat food, mealworms, tuna etc) but it made no difference, but I didn't know if organic food was lacking something else. Like I said I guess I'm clutching at straws .

[chickinboy]

Same problems here - I also use Organic Feed Company pellets. I've been thinking it might be time to give up on organics and opt to pump some chemicals into them

[Eggasperated]

That's interesting; I'm not quite sure what to change to though - its pretty limited for suppliers round here and I do like the small size of pellets as it should take them longer to eat.

[The Dogmother]

The rest of the Smallholder range (made by the same company) has the same sized pellets. I feed my banties on either and they like them equally.

[Eggasperated]

So if its all made by Allen and Page is there any advantage changing away from organic food as won't the basic make up be the same? or is non - organic likely to supply them with something that's missing from their diet and causing feather pecking?

 

Sorry I know I keep asking questions but I'm desperately trying to find a cure for this feather plucking business .

[The Dogmother]

I think that the basic ingredients are the same, just that one range has organic ingredients and t'other doesn't. I feed both, depending on what I grab first, and haven't seen any difference in the egg output, nor hen health. It's just a personal choice I think.

[ValerieR]

Can I ask whether you mean tinned cat food or dry crunchies? Thanks

[Egluntyne]

Tinned. I've given mine tinned, organic cat food before now and they do enjoy it.

 

Trouble is, it does tend to be poultry based, even if it is fish flavoured.

 

Mine love a tin of sardines.

[Seagazer]

Thats interesting as mine are on the Organic stuff and are terrible feather peckers. We were thinking of changing anyway as they don't seem to be eating as much.

[Eggasperated]

I'm definitely going to try mine on something else seeing the replies here, I haven't long started a new bag but once I can find something local I like the look of I shall start mixing it with the organic until I can swap them over and see if there is any improvement in the feather pecking behaviour .

[Seagazer]

Me too. Think I will get some tomorrow.