swhy do my chickens eat feathers?

[woolychicken]

i have 23 laying hens and sometimes i see one or two of them pulling a feather out of another chicken then eating it . they have lots of room to run and are sometime set out to run the pasture.i give then scratch , lots of water,laying mash, veggies from the garden, cooked oatmeal, and any other left overs:cd fit for a chicken so whats up? need some info please no one is feather less. but do not like them doing that!!

 

[faykokoWV]

feather eating can mean low protein. Cut back on the scratch and add a source of protein and see if that helps.

 

[M To The Maxx]

 

[hen-thusiast]

from UT! I'd say feather eating is due to boredom or low protein. Good luck!

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

Welcome to BYC from The Pampered Pullets Farm in North Central Florida

 

[Brick243]

Probably low protein.

 

[Mahonri]

Quote:
Crowding is also an issue at times...

 

[bargain]

Welcome to BYC from our small farm in West GA!
Have a happy and blessed time here!

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us!

 

[woolychicken]

I Think Your Right About The Protein So What Can I Give Them ? Their Chicken Coop Is A 12x15 Room I Think That Is Big Enough For 24 Birds Is It? It Has Two Windows And A Large Door . Use To Be Where I Kept My Sheep I Moved Them Over To The Other Side Of The Barn So The Chickens Would Have More Room Hope It Big Enough:/