Backyard Fowl Keepers

Could be a dominance thing , head-tucking sometimes shows trust or an attempt to claim space. I'd watch to make sure no one's stressed.

If the shavings are truly dust-free, they might be okay, but I'd personally stick with pine since it's widely recommended and proven safe.

I've heard of bobcats doing this,they can grab multiple chickens in a night and leave little evidence. Have you seen any strange tracks?

It sounds like your cockerels are establishing dominance, not just with each other but also with you. Keep up the handling-showing them you're in charge early on can help prevent serious aggression later.

Purplish combs can indicate heart issues or respiratory problems. Check his breathing and watch for any wheezing or nasal discharge.

If the chicks were hatched from eggs with thin or poor-quality shells, they could have mild vitamin deficiencies. Try giving them a chick vitamin supplement to see if it helps.

You might want to consider deep litter for the run. It takes a little time to balance, but once established, it naturally composts the waste and controls the smell. I use pine shavings and dried leaves in mine.

Choose a quality feed based on your flock's age and needs.

I,ve used a metal shipping container as a chicken coop for a couple of years now, and ventilation is the most important aspect. Since metal holds both heat and cold, ventilation becomes critical to prevent condensation from building up inside. Aim for at least 1 square foot of ventilation for every ...

If you're dealing with a smaller space, I suggest using a poop board under the roosts. You can clean it daily, which helps a lot with odors. For bedding, I've found that using hemp is great for both absorption and odor control.