Black Australorp has bald spots

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jmeeter88

jmeeter88

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My Black Australorps ( 5 weeks old) are finally starting to put out some feathers (other than on their wings). I noticed they have some pretty significant bald patches on them, is that normal for young Australorps?
 
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Probably nothing, check them for mites , lice. Watch them and make sure they arent picking at each other:

If picking at each other
1. they don't have enough room.
2. They may not be getting enough protein. (I keep them on starter 20-24% protein until they start to lay.
 
My Australorps are 6 weeks old now and they all went through that stage. They have all filled in now and look great so I would just keep an eye on them! Take pictures! It's fun to watch the stages change and quickly too!
 
Are the spots totally bald, or do they look like there are little straws poking out from the skin?
 
Quote:
The patches are totally bald and do have "straws" poking out - I assume they are feathers.
smile.png
 
The bald areas are nothing to worry about then. The straws are immature feathers, you will see the bird preening those and in a short time they will be nice new perfect little feathers.
 
My australorps were very rangly looking as they were growing in their feathers; much moreso than the other breeds i have. As long as you don't notice any pecking/picking or open sores they should be okay. I'll have to see if I can rustle up a few pictures of them at around 5 weeks.
 
My BAs looked pretty shabby for about 3 wks now they're looking beautiful. Welsummer chicks the same age never went through that shabby stage. Be patient, they'll get there.
 
Love this website! With a little searching, ones questions can most likely be answered. My poor black star (sex-link) pullet, Twilight, looks horrible! She looks like a bald sad excuse for a porcupine. Ugliest girl of the pack (5 other pullets, 2 black stars and 3 red stars). Everyone else is the same age as Twilight, and they are sooo much prettier. Guess their feathers came in faster?
 

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