i notice a few feathers in the coop from my 6 wk old babies?! Is this normal? All act very relaxed a

[Chirp7]

:/:/
could I have a bored chick? a mean old tantrum feather picker? Or is this normal? Its only a few feathers ..... The girls are 6 wks today and appear content? This is my first time raising hens. i love it!!

 

[drumstick diva]

Have you seen the chicks picking each other's feathers? Sometimes it is done from boredom or if they pull out feathers and eat them, it usually indicates they need more protein.
If you are noticing red, irritated skin, actual bald areas, I would suspect a "mean, old tantrum feather picker, or mites, or lice.

 

[Judy]

They go through "mini molts" when young, growing, shedding and regrowing feathers. It's probably quite normal. A feather picker will often eat the feather. If you are not sure, common causes with young chicks are too little space, boredom, and too much heat. At 6 weeks they will do much better outside foraging; I'm glad they are in their coop. If you have a light or heat on them, I'd turn it off.

 

[Chirp7]

All activity done in secret! They have been moved to their new coop and need to hang out for a few days before let loose in their run...Any ideas for a protein snack? Thought their feed was enough at this age? i give them kale and oatmeal and all good things! There are seven hens in total and all different breeds! The U N of chicks..

 

[Chirp7]

​

thanks! i live in South florida and no heat..as a matter of fact ..they are stuck inside their coop because of rain UGH! Poor little things...they seem happy ..but the occasional feather had me concerned?! i like your answer..perhaps its a mini itsy bitsy molt.? And not a disgruntled hen in da house!

 

[DDNONIN2016]

Hello and welcome....so glad you joined BYC

Enjoy the site

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Chirp7, and

! Great to have you here! Sounds like the posters above have given you some detailed information so I'll just say good luck!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!