Author Topic: Feather Pecking (Read 2288 times)

bumpkins · « **on:** November 22, 2013, 08:58:26 pm »

Hi. I have a lovely little White Star who is about 25 weeks old. She is completely crazy for food all of the time and has just started running after the others plucking the feathers out of their rear ends. Believe it or not, she then eats the feathers! Is this normal? She has been laying for a few weeks now and otherwise seems fine, well and happy.
Any clues? thanks, Catherine $:-\$

lord flynn · « **Reply #1 on:** November 22, 2013, 09:13:59 pm »

give them all some extra protein-some white fish/tuna or even cat food, mealworms etc. you can also use a spray (just used some Nettex anti-peck with good effect but have also used gentian violet spray) to discourage.

Stereo · « **Reply #2 on:** November 22, 2013, 09:58:46 pm »

She's short on protein as said. Feathers have loads of it and she has found them to be a good source. I've heard of people feeding cat food.

bumpkins · « **Reply #3 on:** November 22, 2013, 10:37:00 pm »

Thank you SO much. I'll have a look through the cupboards to see what I've got!
Just another quick question....how often would you give them protein? thanks again - Catherine

Stereo · « **Reply #4 on:** November 23, 2013, 12:12:56 am »

Not sure but I would think ad lib. Animals have a superb ability to self medicate, which I suppose is what she is doing.

Mammyshaz · « **Reply #5 on:** November 23, 2013, 05:55:00 pm »

My girls have done the feather eating thing every time we introduce new hens. It has stopped as soon as the new members are accepted so I think it can also be a show of dominance.