why am I finding so many feathers in the coop?

[fun with chickens]

This is my first time raising chickens and I need some input. I have 14 chicks('tweeners) that are now 12 weeks old. We got them when they were just a couple days old so they have all grown up together. They have been in their new 8'x10' coop for about 4 weeks now. They have 78sq ft of available floor space bedded with pine shavings over ABM plus two 52" perchs in the coop with a run of 100sq feet currently (the run is currently undergoing expansion. For the last 3 weeks I have been noticing more and more feathers on the ground of the coop when I go (daily) to let them in/out or spend time with them. I downsized from 3 perchs because all 14 sit on the top perch to see out the window and I wanted to give them more floor space-this is temporary because the nestboxes aren't in and I already want to make some changes. I inspected most of the birds (3 each of orpintons, barred rocks, rir's, new hampshire reds, and 2 sussex) and have not found any blood or bare spots. The feathers I find belong to all but the sussex (lower ranking). I changed them to grower feed at the appropriate time, give them corn/wheat scratch, chick grit regularly (they don't like the medium size grit yet. I give them treats like strawberries and other approved things several times a week. Plus they are let out to free range when I am not working and the weather is good. I live in the Pacific NW (S. WA) and it's still raining, we've not had many days of sunny weather. I have read about 10 different books on rearing them prior to getting the chicks and continue to read and find nothing other than molting or feather picking and none mention anything about feather loss for anything other. Is this considered normal? It's causing me to pull my hair out worrying I'm missing something. Any input from you seasoned chicken rearers

(no insult intended) would be most appreciated. (thought I'd give you as much info as I could to give you the full picture)

 

[Mahonri]

First off, Welcome to BYC.

You've done your homework well. Either they are in an early molt or there is a feather picker in the group. The only way you'll know is to spend a lot of time watching them.

If it is for lack of protein, you can feed them canned fish. I give mine salmon or tuna once or twice a week.

 

[Rowdy5150]

I have the same issue, lots of feathers everywhere in the coop, 7 birds total and same age as yours, 12 weeks. I figured they were still losing their baby feathers, but some of these are big feathers too.

 

[skeeter03]

Mine did the same thing at about 12 weeks - jeez you would think there had been a chicken masacre out there with all the feathers flying around. But they are all fine
check for bugs on them if they are eating and healthy looking and no bugs I would just say its a molt.

 

[Choco Maran]

Fun with Chickens As the old saying goes "Washingtonian don't tan the rust." I know how you feel I lived in Northwestern Wa. Seattle for about 35 yrs. Summer was the best day of the year.

Any way back to the question. They are just molting. Looseing there bady feathers. The first time I saw this last year I thought the had a practice match for "Smack Down FridayNight" no need to worry.

 

[NeeleysAVLChicks]

Totally normal, my new chicks (relatively the same age as yours) are going through the same thing right now as they transition to their full adult plumage. Just keep an eye out for mites, lice or bare spots and you'll be fine!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
I agree.

It slows down, my Ameraucana's, which are 18 weeks old are still dropping feathers, but not as much as they were from the 12-15 week age.

 

[Layira]

Quote:
I agree.

It slows down, my Ameraucana's, which are 18 weeks old are still dropping feathers, but not as much as they were from the 12-15 week age.

Well this is good news...I thought my girls were going bald! lol Actually, I was worried at first that the feather loss might be from pecking, but since I didn't see any bare spots or scabs, I figured they must be growing in the next set of feathers; especially since I watch them very closely and I highly doubt one of them is a picker.

My girls are only 8 weeks..Is it normal for them to be losing feathers so early?

 

[Starlite]

I have 5 chickens my 3 Isa browns are 22 mths old and Sussex are 15 mths old one went clucky and two days in a row I have gone down to let them out and there are lots of feathers scattered in the coop from her is she just going thro a molt she not laying but is still very active I give them fresh water and give them good quality layer mash and she’ll grit

 

[cwalt54]

I’m so glad I found this thread. I’m a first time backyard chicken mom and my 10 - 11 week old chicks are losing feathers. They are everywhere. I was worried until I read this thread. I feel much better now but still going to check for mites and such.