feathers in the feeder

[AP332]

For the last couple of weeks I keep finding lots of feathers in the feeder outlet in the coop. It is like they are trying to fill it up?? We have a feeder that you fill up and it has outlets around the bottom to allow them to get to the feed. I have kept chickens for many years now and have never seen this behavior. My girls are getting on in years and have really slowed down on egg laying, I have not had any eggs for a couple of weeks now but that is okay if they are all right. Has anyone else had this happen? They seem fine and are happy to go outside during the day, also they are molting a bit but not too bad yet. Should I be concerned? Thanks

 

[aart]

Got pics?
First thought is mice taking feathers into feeder to nest.

 

[AP332]

Got pics?
First thought is mice taking feathers into feeder to nest.

Good guess, (I wonder, could be) but it is in 4 or 5 of the outlets. I will get a pic tomorrow if they do it again, they have been every day, but I clean them out in the morning.

 

[aart]

they have been every day, but I clean them out in the morning.

So do they stay clear all day?
I'd clean them out tonight and then see what's what in the morning.

 

[AP332]

There were no new ones last night when I closed up the coop. This morning there were only a couple, but I will check tonight when I put them up. I wish I had taken a pic as it was really strange looking.

 

[aart]

I wish I had taken a pic as it was really strange looking.

Would still like to see the feeder, out of curiosity.

 

[AP332]

I finally got some pics. This looks more and more to me like mice, what do yall think?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

 

[sourland]

Strange and interesting.

 

[3KillerBs]

How peculiar.

You said this happens overnight?