Eating Feathers

[oaklandmama]

Hi there,

I just posted a question about rooster IDing, but also have a different unrelated question... Is any feather eating a sign of protein deficiency?

I've noticed that my chickens every now and then eat feathers that have fallen off already. No sign of excessive pecking. They're coop is outside on a dirt floor (not inside on concrete or anything).

Is a single feather every now and then normal, or should I think of supplementing? I've read of people giving their chickens cat food and such, but is it just me that finds that a little odd? Is there some other protein source I could give them?

Thanks!
Jisun

 

[gritsar]

I have a few chickens that will eat a feather if they find one on the ground, but with no pecking going on I just consider it a normal thing; not a sign of a protein deficiency.

ETA:

Jisun

 

[florida lee]

mine do the same thing....seems not to cause any problems

 

[Judy]

I think it's more that feather picking or pulling can be due to protein deficiency. Mine certainly eat an occasional feather, but I don't see it often. When several were molting and could have used the protein, I never saw one eat a feather.

 

[oaklandmama]

Thank you! I feel much better, had worked myself into thinking there was something wrong with them.

Jisun