what to feed chickens

[lillyjane]

I have a few chickens and they keep eating there feathers. I know that they dont have enough protein in there feed. I finely found a feed store that can carry a feed with 19% protein but it only comes in crumbs which my chickens REALLY dont like, they like the pellets. The feed store suggested a boiler breeder feed its contains 20% protein.But i dont know. Does anyone have any suggestion?
Lillyjane

 

[redsoxs]

When you say 'eating their feathers' do you mean the ones on the ground they have shed or off of each other? Sometimes feather pecking is a sign of a nutritional deficiency, sometimes it is a sign of boredom. I have heard of folks suspending a head of cabbage in the coop to keep them occupied. It won't hurt to bump up their protein a little as well - don't go too high, though. As for them not liking the crumbles...they will eat it if their hungry enough. Good luck to you!!

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Are they pulling feathers or just eating loose ones on the ground? If they are just picking up loose ones I wouldn't worry about it too much.

 

[lillyjane]

I seen the chicken perching and the others go underneath them and pluck there feathers. I heard someone giving them game bird feed with the reg lay ration.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

I seen the chicken perching and the others go underneath them and pluck there feathers. I heard someone giving them game bird feed with the reg lay ration.

That's not necessarily indicative of a nutritional deficiency. Feather pecking problems due to nutritional deficiencies are usually more widespread within a flock. (Does your entire flock look feather-pecked and ratty?) They may have been picking on a subordinate hen as part of their pecking order or it may have been some normal preening/feeding behaviors. Other hens may have been picking at some already loose feathers, some dung stuck to her bottom side, or external parasites.

 

[lillyjane]

That would explain a lot. I tryied everything changing feed, vitamines, supplement block nothing really worked. But your right its always the same hens.
Thanks