Why do chickens eat feathers?

[chickenchickenbulkbulk]

I have seen my chickens eat feathers? Why?

 

[JohnL11935]

My chickens see a piece of feather "fuzz" floating around the air and they just about freak out trampling each other trying to get "the bug!"

 

[AngieChick]

Sometimes it can mean they have a protein deficiency. If it happens a lot you may want to give them some high protein treats, like sunflower seeds, mealworms, or a bit of cat food.

 

[Ladysonja]

I've been picking up the molting feathers in my run, but sometimes I miss one...

This afternoon my girls went crazy after a down feather that I missed... It was like watching them chase a fly. One finally got it and gulp it was gone.

I think they thought it was a fly since they had been chasing them all afternoon.

Not to worry... it happens.

 

[Cuban Longtails]

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Yup, for the protein.

 

[the1much]

because "it" moves, and they can catch it

 

[Cuban Longtails]

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That is so very true too!

They are little hunting raptors! Munch munch!

 

[maybejoey]

Mine do it all the time. Happy that other peoples chickens do this too. Thought my chickens were crazy for a second.

 

[pikecochickens]

I was on here looking for an answer to the same question. Glad to know this is normal behavior for them. Crazy birds!

 

[aljeffers]

Makes sense, I have seen mine do it frequently.