10 week old cockerel without feathers on back

[1WildHairL8tr]

I posted this in the sickie section of this forum and thought maybe it belonged here instead:
My 10 week old BR cockerel is almost bald on his back. I just noticed this yesterday -- only noticed when he stretched his wings.
There are the beginnings of feathers growing (black stalks piercing through the skin) and there are still quite a few baby feathers on the perimeter of the bald area.
I read in Backyard Poultry magazine that cockerels can take longer to feather, but none of the others have this problem.
The skin itself is healthy looking -- not red, no parasites or irritations seen.
Is this normal? I feel horrible -- I hope he's not been too cold at night!
I can't access my photobucket account for some reason, otherwise I'd post pics.
Thanks!
Cathi

Online

 

[speckledhen]

NORMAL! Cockerels of some breeds in particular are very slow to feather on their backs and the sides of the neck. Ten weeks is pretty late to really be that bare, but it happens.

 

[silkiechicken]

I too had a rooster like this. He was extremly slow feathering and looked so silly with feathered legs and wings, but chick fluff body! If he's your only one, I bet it is genetics. If you breed him with fast feathering girls, you'll have some feather sexable chickens!

 

[Tuffoldhen]

My new black orpington cockeral did this very same thing when he was growing out...normal!....

 

[speckledhen]

Some of you remember how Suede, my Blue Orp boy, looked! He was pitiful!
**Cathy, I deleted your post under Emergencies since you have some answers here already.

 

[1WildHairL8tr]

Whew! I was worried! Poor fella -- he does look pretty silly ... and chilly!
Thank you!
Cathi

** Thanks for deleting the other post, Cynthia!

 

[speckledhen]

Cathy, does this make you feel better? My poor baby was so bald for so long, but now Suede is quite the happnin' dude, LOL. He's only about five weeks old here, but still, same thing-long time feathering out.

 

[1WildHairL8tr]

Oh my gosh! Poor guy! I bet he had a hard time with the chicks!

Mine isn't that bad. He needs a name! We've already used Curly (a la "3 Stooges") for the bald-necked turken. I'll have to think of someone else who is follicularly challenged.

Finally got into my photobucket:

 

[rosyposyosy]

I looked through the posts, no one explained to you what those black stalky things were. Those are called pin feathers, the barrier of the feathers coming in. What I do with my chick, since no one wants to help groom her neck, is a gently pinch the white part, so it's more comfortable for her, the white stuff falls off, and she's much more comfortable. It is kind of gross, but I don't mind it. That's my little confession

 

[silkiechicken]

Thats a good one Speckled, heres' my slow guy at 4 weeks next to his sister.

And here he is at 11 weeks. You can't really tell from that pic, but that fluff of feathers on his rear side... that's all he has... the rest on his back are worn down chick fluff and a hand full of pin feathers.... He's got bare underarms too! hahaha.