Feathers in the run/coop

[bamafan87]

I am new to raising chickens and I have 8 that are 7 weeks old and i have been noticing several feathers on the ground. They are small feathers looks like some that come from underneath wings or underside. All 8 are acting normal and eating/ drinking. Is this normal????? Please help!!! Any info/advice???

 

[Cotton42]

Totally normal. Chicks go through 2 molts, the first on when they loose all their down and the second one when they are 7-12 weeks when they get their adult feathers. I have 9 weeks old chicks and my coop looks like there was a pillow fight in it every day!

After this molt they shouldn't molt again for about 16 months.

 

[bamafan87]

Thanks so much! I'm so glad I found this website especially being a first time chicken owner!

 

[Cotton42]

Yeah, me too! There is loads of great info here. I've also learned a lot from this blog http://eggcartonlabels.blogspot.com/ Congrats on your new chickies!

 

[Nsampsel]

Other than the couple I just added that were 6 mos to a yr old all of my chicks in the coop are currently in that age group. I've been finding feathers EVERYWHERE too. Other than making sure no one had bald & bleeding patches I didn't worry about it. Guess I just kinda figured it was time for a "new coat." I knew they would lose their juvenile feathers & get their adult ones, but I wasn't sure of the time frame. Now I know