What are these white,fingernail type speckles I see in their poop pan?

[loriensmom]

In the last few weeks I have noticed something new in the poop pan under the chicken's roost. I have 4 hens and a rooster and every day when I clean out their
pan, there are a lot of white pieces that look like finger nail pieces. They are small and are probably the white parts of the feather shafts. Any idea what could be causing this? I'm worried it is a health issue. Thanks!! Karen:/

 

[Mahonri]

Got any pics?

 

[silkiechicken]

Are they moulting? If they are moulting, they'll drop tons of little feather sheath junk.

 

[MandyH]

That's what it sound like, feather shaft stuffs. When they molt or preen themselves they have that. Don't panic it's perfectly ok.

 

[sunnydee]

Do they look like dried up worms?

 

[loriensmom]

Thanks for the quick responses! I will get a picture in the next few days. They do not look like dried up worms, but speaking of critters, what would a mite or parasite infection look like? I know it depends on what type. Also, do chickens molt in the winter? They haven't molted yet and are 1-1/2 yr old. Karen