My chickens are eating feathers

[awesome124]

My three chickens are pecking and eating the feathers of my other hen. Why are they pecking and eating her feathers. And why is she not defending herself? I am currently isolating her from the other hens. Is there anything that I can do to make my pecked hen's feathers grow back faster. And will they ever come back because I think this has been going on for a long time.

THANKS

 

[mrchicks]

Hi,
There are a few reasons they will start picking. Over crowding is the most common reason. Boredom if they are stuck inside. Lack of calcium can also cause it. Feathers grow back, the hard part is figuring out why they started, and break the habit.

 

[awesome124]

Thank you so much. I will give them more calcium and let them out to free range more often.

 

[centrarchid]

Also need for more protein and sometimes even mental stimulation.