Do chickens self-mutilate?

[Desirai]

The only birds I've ever had in my life have been parakeets and cockatiels. I currently have a 9 year old tiel who plucks feathers when distressed.

Do chickens perform self mutilation like parrots?

 

[Den in Penn]

Would broodys pulling belly feathers off for better contact with the eggs count?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Yes, a stressed or cramped chicken will pull its own feathers or the feathers of flock mates. This behavior, if left unchecked, can also lead to cannibalism....