Chickens eating feathers....?

[Ameraucana_girl]

Hi

Do chickens normally eat their feathers while molting??
My Buff Orpington, Silver Spangled Hamburg, and Australorps are eating the shed feathers. Should I be concerned?

 

[Year of the Rooster]

It's really nothing to worry about. They're eating them because they need extra protein - feathers are very high in protein. They are trying to "regain" the protein they need to grow in the new feathers. Just increase their protein. Feed foods like scrambled eggs, sunflower seeds.... I'm sure others could give you some other foods.

 

[valentinebaby]

If you are feeding them 16% protein feed, you could increase it to 20% and see if that helps.

 

[Ameraucana_girl]

Okay thanks!!