feather eating 3 wk old marans chick

[Fool]

Little 3 week old BCM chick. In just over 1 day I've caught him twice, choking down a feather about 3 inches long. I caught him both times and removed the feather and cleaned up any loose feathers in the coop (about 8-9 total). I'm sure he's eaten some that I am unaware of.
Is this something I should be concerned about? Can they digest feathers without getting stopped up?

 

[Imp]

Quote:
They can digest feathers. Although like you I wouldn't like seeing them choke down big hard feathers. It is sometimes suggested that they eat feathers for the protein.

Imp

 

[Lisa202]

But if you are feeding chick starter, shouldn't that be enough protein?