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How QUICKLY do chicks get their feathers?

post #1 of 15
4/28/09 at 12:44pm
Thread Starter 

i have tried to search the byc site and see about feathering, but have not found much.
i have week old pullets and they all are feathering soooo quickly. they are even getting their tail feathers.
my campines are the only ones who are not feathering as quickly but are getting some.
they keep pecking at their own wings underneath. not sure if it is from all the food that the others 'spill' on them or what they are picking at.

i cannot believe how quickly they have grown. they have doubled in size...i bet!

YEAH...They are here 4.21.09
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YEAH...They are here 4.21.09
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post #2 of 15
4/28/09 at 12:44pm

Typically, it's only 8 weeks before they are feathered in.  Yep - they grow SO fast!

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SPECIALIZING IN:  Jersey Giants.  Black Copper Marans.  Silver Penciled Plymouth Rocks.  Isbars.  Click to view my website.

Just for fun:  First & second generation "olive eggers," and a few ducks - Welsh Harlequin, Black Swedish, Black Runner.

 

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post #3 of 15
4/28/09 at 1:04pm

Isn't it amazing how quickly they feather? big_smile I'll go to town for groceries and come back and they all have tail feathers!

It also depends on the breed, too. I have a frizzle that is soooo slooow to feather in, his other hatch mates are completley feathered out but the poor frizzled dude is no where near it. I still have a 250w heat lamp out for him at night sad (which the others take advantage of also roll). I also have another mystery chick that is being incredibly slow to feather out, she's nearly 2 weeks old and only has these teeny little wing tips sad

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Wife to a wonderful chicken tolerant husband, mommy to a 4 year old princess and a brand new baby girl, owner of too many dogs, one mean bunny, lots of guineas, and not enough chickens!
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post #4 of 15
4/28/09 at 1:44pm

I have several different breeds between the ages of 4 and 5 weeks.  At this point they all almost have a complete covering of feathers, especially my 5 week olds (the 4 week olds still have some fuzz on their heads).  It's easy to believe that by approx. 7-8 weeks of age they will be fully feathered.  It does go by so fast!

"Couldn't-feel-more-blessed" Wife to 1, Mom to 7, and Caregiver/Beneficiary of 3 goats, 2 cats, 1 dog, and not enough chickens, yet!
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"Couldn't-feel-more-blessed" Wife to 1, Mom to 7, and Caregiver/Beneficiary of 3 goats, 2 cats, 1 dog, and not enough chickens, yet!
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post #5 of 15
6/29/09 at 2:03pm

Most of mine have tons of feathers - just some fuzz on their heads and necks.

They are 5 weeks old now.

One of them has no feathers.  She has down or bald spots still.

Any ideas???

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post #6 of 15
6/29/09 at 2:05pm

mine are two weeks old and they only place they dont have feathers is on the top of their head! i took them off the heat lamp at 1 week old because they were too hot

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post #7 of 15
6/29/09 at 3:05pm

Hold them real close to your ear and you can hear the feathers grow.

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post #8 of 15
6/29/09 at 6:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by RendonRoo 

Hold them real close to your ear and you can hear the feathers grow.


really?!

my old username is: FizzyZow
I am the same person just different usernname
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my old username is: FizzyZow
I am the same person just different usernname
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post #9 of 15
6/30/09 at 8:14am

It's amazing how quickly they grow. Before long you'll have eggs. I had a couple of birds start laying at 17 weeks. Most started laying between 20 to 24 weeks.

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HEY LOOK!!! ---> UPCOMING FLORIDA Swaps/Sales/Shows/Events

---> Florida Fair Schedule 2012/2013 and "Where am I? Where are you?" FLORIDA!!!!!ALWAYS SUNNY SIDE UP!!!

Member of the American Poultry Association &

Central Florida Poultry Breeders Association. NPIP Certified Participant

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post #10 of 15
4/18/13 at 6:18pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by cowman910 View Post

mine are two weeks old and they only place they dont have feathers is on the top of their head! i took them off the heat lamp at 1 week old because they were too hot

My  chicks are a little less then a week and I know everyone said keep them at 90-95 degrees but mine run away from the heat if it is over 85. And huddle only if it is below 70.... Strange.    But my question did your start to pluck at them selfs and scratch a little more then normal when the big feathers were coming in?

The peeper keeper 

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The peeper keeper 

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