chickens eating feathers! Why are they doing this?

[bock]

I was collecting the chicken eggs a few days ago, and I saw one of my hens eat two feathers off of the ground. Over the past few days, I have noticed all of the chickens doing this. It grosses me out a lot, and I am wondering WHY they do that. They eat Layena free choice and the occasional grapes for a treat. Is there some kind of nutritional deficiency causing this? What can I do to get them to stop, or is it just natural? Thanks for the advice!

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

I've wondered that myself....

 

[sunnychooks]

They may need a little more protein in their diet. Feathers are mostly protein. Try giving them a treat of dry cat food. If the feather-eating isn't nutritional they'll still enjoy the treat!

 

[7L Farm]

It might be protein but chickens seem to eat everything. I read one guys post & he was a meat guy & found bolts, rocks & such in his chickens.

 

[dawg53]

Add their own eggs to their feed, scramble some up and give it to them. It really helps giving them extra protein in this heat.