Eating feathers....

[DarleneE]

Is it normal for chickens to eat feathers?? My two gals, 15 wks old, will immediately pick up and eat any feathers they lose.. their own or the other ones. I'm a first time chicken owner and had never seen this before.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Mine do this occasionally too. It's really not a good thing for them to eat the feathers as it causes crop binding. Chickens generally eat feathers because there is a lack of protein in their diet and they eat them because feathers are filled with protein. (Feathers take up 85% of a chicken's protein!) So, make sure they are fed protein-filled foods. Qunioa, peas, mealworms, etc.

 

[DarleneE]

Well see here's the thing. I WAS feeding them extra treats as you mentioned besides the regular diet which has 18% protein and any higher they say damages the kidneys.. but I was told by several chicken breeders that I should NOT give them ANYTHING other than an occasional egg or oatmeal because then they don't eat enough of their actual diet which they need badly at this critical time in their lives while they're still growing?? So I just don't know WHAT is the correct thing to do?? There are just SO many varying opinions that it becomes very difficult for a first time chicken owner like myself.. I'm SO confused!!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Hmmmm. Well I guess it's up to you then. Mine always stop eating feathers once I feed them protein foods. But if you think your chickens are eating what they need then just make sure they have enought of it along with calcium and fresh water.

 

[DarleneE]

No no.. not at ALL do I know what I'm doing!! Lol I'm sorry if I came off sounding that way. I'm just SO confused.. everyone seems to have a different answer for me is all.. but in NO way did I mean ANY disrespect at all. I will take your advice and add mealworms again to their diet and pray that it helps with this problem as I truly am concerned with the feathers and their crops!! Thank you so much for you help!!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

You didn't offend me at all! I know how confusing that can be! Below is a link (two aren't found at backyard chickens) but hopefully it can help.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/03/chicken-feather-loss-cannibalism-causes.html
http://www.tillysnest.com/2012/12/reasons-for-missing-feathers-in.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...f-my-chickens-stop-eating-the-others-feathers

 

[DarleneE]

You're very kind. Thank you SO much!!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

No problem! After all, we all want the best for our chickens!!