Packing feathers and eating them.

[Mark Cavalli]

Is it normal for my hen to be packing the other ones feathers out and eating them I only have one doing this kind of weird LOL.

 

[lazy gardener]

NO. Most likely it's a crowding issue or they need more protein.

 

[Folly's place]

Some birds will do this, but as LG said, it's more likely overcrowding or a problem with diet. Breeds matter too; red sex-links and production RIR's seem more prone to this behavior.
If the bird in pulling her own feathers out, look for mites or lice.
Mary

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x lazy gardener ... How many birds? Breed? Size of coop/run? Feeding?

 

[Mark Cavalli]

2x lazy gardener ... How many birds? Breed? Size of coop/run? Feeding?

I have only for birds three ISA browns and one Hoover black. They have plenty of layer which they eat oyster shells mixed with grit I give them cut up apples spinach just the regular stuff my pen area is 30' x 30' I don't think it's over crowding issue LOL. It's just the one ISA Brown doing it they are like seven months old all of them.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I had the same "problem" feed some scrambled eggs/tuna, she needs the extra protein. Scrambled eggs worked for me but then I changed my feeding to Flock Raiser (20%) with Oyster Shells on the side along with their grit.

 

[Folly's place]

I'd change to a higher protein feed, with oyster shell on the side. And see if your sex-link bird gets better, or remove her from your group.
Mary

 

[aart]

They have plenty of layer which they eat oyster shells mixed with grit I give them cut up apples spinach

The feed, oyster shells, and grit should be in 3 separate containers.
Cut back on the fruit and veg if your layer feed is less than 18% protein.

When I see birds picking/eating feathers I break out the animal protein.
I use mostly mealworms and scrambled eggs, sometimes dog food....
..others have used canned fish, cat food, meat scraps, etc.

 

[Robert G]

I'm so glad I joined BYC! I keep learning more and more each time. My chickens just started doing this and didn't know what it could be. Since I only feed them chicken scratch I'm going to get them some feed with protein. They free range in the evening and that's when I noticed it. I will buy it tomorrow and hope it stops the feather eating.

 

[Folly's place]

Scratch is NOT a balanced diet!!! It's meant as a treat only. Mine is only 8% protein, and unbalanced in other ways too. Get an all-flock feed that's 18% to 20% protein, and offer the oyster shell on the side.
And pay attention to the mill date on each bag of feed! It should be within a month or less.
Mary