Feather Eating

[Chicklette 1]

I have seen my Barred Rock roo eating a feather now and then including one of his own that had fallen on the ground. This is my first group of chickens so I dod not know whether this is normal behavior or not.

 

[chicmom]

Sometimes they do eat feathers, and it won't hurt them. Feathers are almost all protein, so on occasion, they eat the feathers if they need more protein in their diet. But if they just see one on the ground and eat it, that's just fine.

 

[Chicklette 1]

Thanks so much for responding so quickly. He is about 15 weeks old and is still on chick food which I think is 18% protein but I try giving them a little additional fish or other protein.

 

[Rockin' Reds]

Mine eat feathers on occasion as well...either from the ground, or if one is floating in the air they all run for it like it may be a delicious bug morsel!!