Feathers in the coop

[mrbstephens]

I'm noticing lots more feathers in the coop during the last couple of days. When do chickens molt? Mine are 3 months old. I'm not seeing them pulling out feathers or pecking each other at all. No mites are present either. What's going on here? Thanks.

 

[TexasVet]

Better count your chickens... could be a possum, raccoon, or bobcat is picking off your birds at night.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[Schroeder]

I have 12 in my coop and have noticed the same thing. I'm positive there have been no predators in the coop. My THEORY (I'm new to this) is that the chickens just naturally shed some of their feathers occassionally. I also know that two of them are getting picked on and some of their feathers are being extracted by others.

Edit: Just saw this thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=202357