Chickens eating hair?

[Fluffets324]

3 of my chickens (ISA browns we think) about 3 years old. All have a habit of nibbling at my hair continuously. Can't work out why they're doing it unless it's because somethings missing in their diet? Only seem to be doing it during the bird flu lockdown. Any ideas/anyone experienced the same?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Welcome to BYC!

It's boredom and curiosity. My hens get the "lint" out of my hair.

Although hair and feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids.. the digestible protein level in them are only at 2%.

Most "layer" diets could afford a little more protein, up to 18-20%, the reason many of us use grower or Flock Raiser with oyster shell on the side free choice. While I don't think the hair picking specifically is diet related, we're all willing to go over your current diet with you and diagnose room for improvement, IF needed.

 

[theoldchick]

They are grooming you. I've seen my hens 'grooming' the rooster. They lovingly preen his feathers round his head and neck. Occasionally, a sassy hen well give those sexy long wattles a tug or two.

 

[Battlepants]

I will second the boredom and curiosity side of things. My ladies love picking at my pants and shoes after I have been working out in the field. They enjoy the burrs that get stuck to me while I am out there and I enjoy not having to clean burrs off of myself, win win!

 

[rjohns39]

My turkeys loved to groom my pfp. She didn't much care for it but tolerated it.

 

[Fluffets324]

Welcome to BYC!

It's boredom and curiosity. My hens get the "lint" out of my hair.

Although hair and feathers are made from 90% protein and it's amino acids.. the digestible protein level in them are only at 2%.

Most "layer" diets could afford a little more protein, up to 18-20%, the reason many of us use grower or Flock Raiser with oyster shell on the side free choice. While I don't think the hair picking specifically is diet related, we're all willing to go over your current diet with you and diagnose room for improvement, IF needed.

Thankyou! They're currently having grit, layers pellets, corn, sunflower seed, grass, bamboo, stuff like rice and spaghetti, veg such as broccoli. (Things like rice spaghetti and veg are usually given every other day). Anything we could add? The ones doing the hair nibbling are pretty clingy too

 

[Fluffets324]

They are grooming you. I've seen my hens 'grooming' the rooster. They lovingly preen his feathers round his head and neck. Occasionally, a sassy hen well give those sexy long wattles a tug or two.

That could be true!

 

[rjohns39]

Limit any "treats" you give (stuff other than their balanced feed) to no more than 10% of their total diet. Layer pellets are designed to provide the minimum nutrition for maximum egg production. The more other stuff you provide can significantly change their daily nutrition. Feed is a complicated thing.