Eating feathers?

[MissouriChick]

Is it okay for my chicks to be eating the feathers of other chicks that have fallen out? They are not pecking them off one another, just picking up ones that are on the ground and running around with them in their mouth like they are a prize. Is this a problem?

 

[shaggy]

Quote:
sounds like a fun game to me

 

[Lollipop]

Normal activity, however, you might add a little protien to their diet as feathers are mostly protien. A few hard boiled eggs crushed will do it, depending on how many chicks and how old they are. Don`t give them a lot, but do it a couple times a week........Pop

 

[Debbienmousey]

I should think it's fine. I've never really seen chicks do this but I know the adults eat feathers.

 

[artsyrobin]

i always assumed it was instinctive- a way to protect from predators noticing them- my pet birds do it too