9 week old hens losing feathers....why?

[gbharden]

I have 6 nine week old hens (NO roosters) and everyday there are more and more feathers on the ground in the coop. I'm new at this and don't know why this is happening. I put DE on the ground and in a dust/bath hole for them to "bathe" in. It's also in their food. So why are they losing so many feathers right now? They are in a 10'X10' coop so I know they are not crowded. I keep fresh water and food out for them 24/7...chick food....and even give them occational treats. They have roosts for them....they are actually very spoiled. There's probably 14-16 new feathers on the ground everyday. I've not seen any of them doing it to themselves nor to the others. I just can't figure it out! Help! And what do I do about it? Thanks!
Gail from Georgia

 

[RasMama]

They're probably still just getting their feathers all in & loosing the baby fuzz & starter feathers. As long as there aren't bare patches on them & you don't see anyone picking on others, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[Chicken Freak]

check for mouse holes....sometimes (but usually durring winter), mice will pull feathers when the birds are sleeping to use as bedding

 

[fshinggrl]

My 8 week olds seem to have a corner with a lot of feathers in it. Probably just 'starter' feathers like the PP stated
!

 

[PunkinPeep]

Quote:
wow! that's an awesome visual

 

[aceriderbetty]

I find feathers also. I don't see any bare spots or them picking on each other. It probably is just baby feathers.

 

[Alyssandra]

Mine are about the same age and are haveing the same thing happen.....sounds like just normal feather growth....

 

[purplepeep]

Same thing happening here. Mine are 9 weeks old too. From the number of people with the same response I am assuming its normal. My 4 year old likes to pick up all the stray feathers and collect them.... just wait till' there's eggs for her to collect

hehehe

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

Mine did the same thing at that age - they're losing their baby feathers, so that they can grow their adult feathers.