This study focuses on the sustainable biodegradation of chicken feather waste (CFW) using keratinolytic bacteria. Soil samples containing degrading feathers were targeted for bacterial isolation with keratinase activity. Pre-enrichment in Feather Meal Broth (FMB) yielded 41 bacterial isolates, with 26 Gram-positive and 15 Gram-negative bacteria. All isolates exhibited protease and 14 showed gelatinase activity, indicating their potential for keratin-rich substrate degradation. Keratinase activity was confirmed in all 25 isolates, making them suitable candidates for CFW biodegradation. The isolates demonstrated diverse metabolic capabilities, including catalase activity, H2S production, citrate utilization, and urea hydrolysis. Optimal pH and temperature conditions for keratinase activity were determined for different isolate groups. Molecular characterization identified Xanthomonas maltophilia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus subtilis, with B. subtilis being a promising Gram-positive bacterium for CFW biodegradation. This study provides valuable insights into eco-friendly CFW biodegradation, contributing to sustainable waste management in the poultry industry and transforming CFW into valuable resources.