Moulting. what to do??

[goochgirl]

I was away from home for 2 months and left DH to take care of my girls. When I returned, I learned that the roost had fallen the first week and it was never replaced, the laying box (aka mopping bucket) was taken out of the coop (they haven't started to lay, yet), and he only moved the tractor once. He did feed and water, and they are still alive

So, now I have to deal with a huge bald area in my yard. I moved the tractor to a fresh spot yesterday, and this morning I noticed it was full of feathers. I moved it again. What should I do about the area left by the tractor? I'm worried about feathers all over and bald area. Should I rake them up daily?? Are they good for the soil? Will birds collect them for nests? Should I start stuffing a mattress? How long will she loose her feathers?

 

[squeakyballs]

Point and laugh at the molting bird, doesn't she look silly? Then, tell your husband that he is a big ruiner and can't do anything.

Since feathers can go in the compost pile, I'm sure they'll decompose if you just leave them. That, or they'll blow away. I've noticed the chickens sometimes eat the feathers... yuck, I know. I think it is extra protein.

The bald spot in the yard will re-grow eventually... maybe put some wildflower or grass seeds there just to help it along?