Tutti Frutti Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 (edited) Well well well. I caught our bigger ex-barnie plucking feathers from the smaller ex-barnie (who squeaked so obviously not happy). The bigger chook then ATE the feather (it was a tiny, downy one). Could this signal a nutritional defficiency for the ex-barnie to want to eat feathers? Or is it just the weird barn/battery hen behaviour so it's actually about the plucking, not the eating? They have grit and oyster shell, which I've seen them all nibbling. Thanks very much everyone Edited January 1, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 1, 2010 Share Posted January 1, 2010 I understand it can be a deficiency and seen in book a recommendation to give a supplement and extra protien. Plus things to distract them like hanging greens up in case it is boredom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tutti Frutti Posted January 1, 2010 Author Share Posted January 1, 2010 Thanks Plum. I wondered about boredom too (as we've been sorting out the run, laying Aubiose but we removed some logs as they badly needed cleaning!). But this feather-nibbling incident was whilst they were outside FR and dustbathing this afternoon in the sunshine so I'll investigate the supplement. THANK YOU! xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted January 2, 2010 Share Posted January 2, 2010 I seem to remember someone saying add some tuna to their dinner as a supplement. Mine get a dosing of tuna with their pasta tea (along with some corn, bokashi and cod liver oil - which doesn't smell so coddy with the tuna ). I haven't noticed the feather eating since then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
