4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[McChook]

This is my first winter with chooks, and my first experience of a moult (not me personally, of course).

 

My cotswolds legbar is a sorry looking girl at the moment - fairly bald around the neck and incredibly scruffy everywhere else. The thing that's really puzzling me is why the other two scramble for her falling feathers? I've even seen them tugging at each end in 'lady and the tramp' style.

 

Does anyone know why they are doing this? Or have I just got a couple of nutters?

 

Thanks xx

[Snowy]

My new 4 are feather eaters - they dive on them, just as you describe! Strange as I've never had a problem with this until now. It seems that they are a source of protein and/or calcium so it may be worthwhile giving them a boost with some poultry spice or tonic and maybe some extra protein to boost feather regrowth. Mine have got bald bums so I've given them all a squirt with ukadex to deter them nicking feathers at source!

[McChook]

Thanks Snowy - I'll give the anti-pek spray a go and give them more protein (they get some spice each morning in their hot mash)