We have 6 hatchery chicks, including 2 buff orpingtons, 2 EEs, a black Australorp, and a Plymouth Barred Rock. All are sexed as pullets (Mt. healthy Hatchery.)
All the other chicks, at 10 days old, have tail feathers and long wing feathers...... EXCEPT the little Barred Rock. She has NO tail at all, and VERY short, stubby wings.
I've had a BR chick before and don't remember a difference in feathering. What I DO remember is a Delaware chick from last year who feathered in much slower than his sisters and turned out to be a cockerel. So...... I'm quite concerned about the BR baby.
He/she has a fairly distinct white head spot, black wash down the legs, and doesn't look particularly grey (although IS lighter than the black Australopr's black feathers) which I understand to be characteristics of pullets, generally. But this slow feathering thing has me really concerned. I'm hoping maybe BRs just feather later? Can anyone advise?
All the other chicks, at 10 days old, have tail feathers and long wing feathers...... EXCEPT the little Barred Rock. She has NO tail at all, and VERY short, stubby wings.
I've had a BR chick before and don't remember a difference in feathering. What I DO remember is a Delaware chick from last year who feathered in much slower than his sisters and turned out to be a cockerel. So...... I'm quite concerned about the BR baby.
He/she has a fairly distinct white head spot, black wash down the legs, and doesn't look particularly grey (although IS lighter than the black Australopr's black feathers) which I understand to be characteristics of pullets, generally. But this slow feathering thing has me really concerned. I'm hoping maybe BRs just feather later? Can anyone advise?
Last edited:
