Bloody feathers?

[kdcrws]

I picked up three feathers (all close together) this morning and the end of the shafts were bloody. Does that mean they were pulled out? Or is that part of molting?

 

[silkiechicken]

Pulled out. Not normal.

 

[basicliving]

Kdcrws - if this is the first time you've noticed this, I'd be sure to keep an eye out. Not sure how many chickens you have - but try to watch them and see if feather picking/plucking is happening a lot. I've had a bad experience with it - and I sure wish I'd noticed it was happening earlier.

Take care and best of luck,
Penny

 

[kdcrws]

Quote:
Thank u for the info...I'll keep a close eye on them....I only have the four girls 2 BR 2 Buff Orps. It was one of the Buff Orps's feathers, and I've heard that they r known for getting picked on.

 

[Jenski]

How much space do they have?

 

[kdcrws]

they free range during the day in fenced area of about 30X27 (aprox) so I don't think that's the issue.....I've never seen them pick at one another other than the occasional I want what u've got.