Feathers in the coop/run

[jenniferrose]

I have 5 chickens that are about 3 1/2 months. I have noticed a good amount of feathers in the coop and run. I do not see any bald spots on any of them, no one seems upset... and a majority of the feathers seem to be coming from 1 chicken. It has been VERY hot in our area the last week or so.

Is it normal for them to shed feathers? This is my first time with chickens and have no clue what is normal and what I need to be looking for.

Thanks!

 

[junebuggena]

They go through several mini molts in their first 4 to 6 months.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have 5 chickens that are about 3 1/2 months. I have noticed a good amount of feathers in the coop and run. I do not see any bald spots on any of them, no one seems upset... and a majority of the feathers seem to be coming from 1 chicken. It has been VERY hot in our area the last week or so.

Is it normal for them to shed feathers? This is my first time with chickens and have no clue what is normal and what I need to be looking for.

Thanks!

They go through a series of juvenile molts as they transition from fuzzy baby to fully grown, maturely feathered bird.

 

[jenniferrose]

Phew! Great to hear. Thanks so much!!

 

[KelliR]

It could also be a protein defieceny. What % protein are you feeding them? I'm a new chicken mom and had the same thing happen. The feathers are made almost completely of protein and they will pull them out and eat them. I ramped up their protein with sunflower seeds meal worms and scrambled eggs. Go easy on the protein as you don't want to overdo it. You will notice less loose feathers in the coop. Otherwise it could be a mini molt. I began giving my girls layer pellets too soon as i thought they were older than they were when i got them. Rather than change their feed again I supplemented protein since they were close to POL. Be careful with putting young pullets on layer feed too soon as it can damage their kidneys.