Molting: How do you manage feathers in your yard?

[PirateGirl]

So I know it's that time of year when birds will start molting. This is somewhat of a first for me. My neighbor isn't too thrilled that I have chickens and ducks, but I am within my rights and she can't do much about it. This being said, I do try and be responsible and keep the peace as I don't want any problems. I want to be a good bird owner and a good neighbor. What does everyone do once feathers are everywhere? How do you manage the mess? I feel that I can't/shouldn't have it looking like a pillow fight on my neighbor's lawn when the wind starts to disperse the feathers. Any ideas?

 

[BuffOrpington567]

I have a BO that has massive plumige and is molting insanley! Thier r feathers everywhere in the house and in the run, but you find that over time the feathers go due to wind or just being trodden on into the ground. Its totally normal and with in a week feathers should go.

 

[PirateGirl]

I have a BO that has massive plumige and is molting insanley! Thier r feathers everywhere in the house and in the run, but you find that over time the feathers go due to wind or just being trodden on into the ground. Its totally normal and with in a week feathers should go.

I hope so! There are already more feathers about than normal, but I can see it getting out of control quickly!

 

[BuffOrpington567]

Do the feathers spread into ur nabiours garden or something?

 

[PirateGirl]

Do the feathers spread into ur nabiours garden or something?

The wind spreads the feathers everywhere!

 

[townchicks]

That is considerate of you to be concerned about messing up your neighbors yard. It probably won't help relations if it happens. I have found that most of the feathers stay contained in the run and the "chicken yard", so perhaps keeping your girls contained until the majority of the feather drop is done, will help. If not, it might be helpful to take your neighbor some eggs (if you are getting any) explain that molting is temporary, and maybe offer to rake the yard if she is really in a state.

 

[PirateGirl]

That is considerate of you to be concerned about messing up your neighbors yard. It probably won't help relations if it happens. I have found that most of the feathers stay contained in the run and the "chicken yard", so perhaps keeping your girls contained until the majority of the feather drop is done, will help. If not, it might be helpful to take your neighbor some eggs (if you are getting any) explain that molting is temporary, and maybe offer to rake the yard if she is really in a state.

Thanks! We'll see how it goes I suppose.

 

[snow5164]

You could put up a temporary fence to stop them from blowing into her yard , like a plastic mesh..... maybe it will be so ugly she won’t complain about feathers blowing or leaves blowing or the wind blowing ;(


Neighbors complained about our dog kennel noise till I asked why his cattle screamed all night?? We had a good laugh and now we are friends

 

[PirateGirl]

You could put up a temporary fence to stop them from blowing into her yard , like a plastic mesh..... maybe it will be so ugly she won’t complain about feathers blowing or leaves blowing or the wind blowing ;(


Neighbors complained about our dog kennel noise till I asked why his cattle screamed all night?? We had a good laugh and now we are friends

A temp. fence or something is a good idea. I can probably make that happen. I think partly she is sensitive because her house is on the market and she wants it to be as appealing as possible. Honestly though, what is appealing to one person may not be to another. To me the fact that nearly everyone on my street has a dog, and I am a dog person, makes me feel more welcome (and safe from predators), whereas someone who does not like dogs would be turned off at the thought of the barking etc. I'm nervous about getting new neighbors, what if they are terrible?!?! We'll see how it all goes. Even a tarp wrapped on one side of the run might work out as a temporary blocker and help better contain all the fluff that will be about.

 

[Chickassan]

I leaf blow them into a pile and bury them. I use to burn them but they really stink.