Flakey chickens

[onebuggirl]

I have noticed as I empty the litter bin in the coop that there is a layer of what looks like feather shafts. Almost like potatoe flakes on the bottom? DO chickens have flakey skin in the winter? What could be causing this flakey white substance?

 

[flakey chick]

Chickens do produce a lot of "dander" always. If you look at where the feather grows out of the skin, you will see it surrounded by a thin sheath. I beleive this sheath is the lions share of flakes.

If you think about how a feather emerges, it's a lot more difficult than hair. It is easier to pull a feather through a hole by the quill than to push it out. I believe the sheath emerges with the feather to help it out, then flakes off.

 

[PeeperKeeper]

When you see your chickens"preening" them selves, they are pulling parts of these shafts off. Growing feathers is an itchy business.

 

[onebuggirl]

Okay good I don't have to worry..just buy some head & shoulder LOL JK.