Chickens are eating feathers !!!!

[Triplell]

My chickens are eating feathers. They have not started pulling the feathers out but eating the ones on the ground. I have heard that when they do this they are not getting enough protein. What would be the best thing to do. I have picked all the feathers out of the coop. I don't have alot of money but want the best for my chooks. Anyone have any idea's?

 

[AnimalLady123]

If it's protein you wat give em' oyster shell!!

 

[AnimalLady123]

Want*

 

[Clay Mudd]

What are you feeding them now?

 

[Erica]

If it's protein you wat give em' oyster shell!!

Oyster shell is for calcium. There's no protein in it.

Tinned cat food (the beef sort) can apparently supply extra protein. You might also try one of the game bird feeds. Or you could find a low fat mince and give about a dessertspoonful per bird daily.

Unfortunately protein is one of the most expensive components of feed, but it's pretty crucial.

Good luck, I hope you find a cheap and reliable protein source.

 

[Triplell]

Thank you for the comments. I have been feeding 16% layer crumbles with free choice of oyster shells and grit. I also was giving black oil sunflower seeds , I was also feeding freeze dried mealworms in with my warm mash. I went to the store tonite and looked at the protein levels. I was looking into the scratch but found out that oats has more protein then scratch and then with freeze dried mealworms I think i'm just gonna have to spend the money. When I gve them just a little they went crazy. I am gonna try this then I am gonna see how things are going.

 

[Den in Penn]

By the by, they will eat feathers found on the ground normally. This is nothing to worry about. Its when they pick feathers off other chickens the fun begins.

 

[Triplell]

Thanks, everything I have read has always stated that it's a bad thing. Thank you , Triplell