3 week olds losing feathers

[bird-brain]

Hi all, many of you have read my other thread, I have had sick chicks for about a week. Now I am noticing feathers, not down but actual feathers, on their brooder floor. They were 3 weeks +/- old this past Wednesday according to their breeder.

They are currently on chick starter, electrolyte/vitamin water and probiotics. The tetracycline therapy has ended. They get some meal worms and foraging block as treats from time to time. Their overall condition has improved and I know they have been very stressed with the illness just not sure if that can make feathers fall out this young. They dont have bald spots, just feathers on the floor. Have no clue which chicks or how many are losing them.

Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[Erica]

Hi bird-brain,
it may be that they're undergoing a normal molt. Chicks do this during several stages until they reach maturity. At that time you'd probably see fistfuls of feathers in the roost area.

I haven't read your original thread, so forgive me if I'm blundering in here.

cheers
Erica

 

[bird-brain]

Oh my, I did not realize they could molt at 3 weeks old. My parrots don't molt until six months or older. Lol