Hen eating feathers

[Boondachs]

My wife noticed today that one of our BR's just picked up a loose feather and ate it. Any thoughts on this?

 

[LizzyJo]

I've noticed this before and then I realized that there aren't many loose feathers in the run--so that explains that. Those girls must have great digestive systems.

 

[Imp]

Here's a recent thread that may be of help.

Imp



https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=162434&p=1

 

[Boondachs]

thanks for the link, but my birds are not pecking each other, just the randome loose feather on the ground. Also when my wife noticed this, was WHILE the hen was peacking at the hanging cabbage (whic is suppose to be the cure described in the other thread). My ownly concern is if they can digest the feathers OK, otherwise she can eat them all- less for me to clean

 

[Casey3043]

My hens all hang around under the nest boxes while I am gathering eggs. I clean out the loose feathers that are left behind and drop them on the ground. They blow around and the hens go after them and eat them. They've been doing it for years and they're all fine. Feathers are almost 100% protein, so they are getting back some of what it costs them to grow them.

 

[Boondachs]

so i don't have the wierdest chickens of all? lol seems like it sure would hurt going down ... ouchie!

 

[cmom]

I have seen my birds eat their feathers too.