Justadmin Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 Hi all, when I went to the run to do the chores this morning I found 10 or so feathers (about 3 inches long) scattered about the place. They're all from one bird, Mary, as they're her colour. Do you think this is likely to be her natural moult or is it the result of feather pecking? They are coming up to a year old, judging by how old they were when we bought them in March. The feathers also weren't there last night when I put them to bed. Mary seems fine in herself and I haven't noticed any evidence of her being pecked by Billina, but then they are alone for the whole day so I'm not always there to see them. Any ideas what it is likely to be? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 If your hens have bald patches, especially the base of the tail or sometimes the back of the neck or the chest then that usually indicates feather-pecking. If the run looks as if there's been a pillow-fight and your hen starts to look as if the moths have been at her, that's moulting. I would suspect a moult from what you describe, but you'll know in the next few days. In my experience, you rarely see the hens pecking each other - I've had a severe feather-pecking problem, but hardly ever caught the culprit at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted September 7, 2016 Share Posted September 7, 2016 I would say moult. Perfect time for it. My house and run look like there's been a fox attack every day at the moment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
