5 Week Old Birds, Still No Back Feathers

[CrowWing Native]

I hatched out 50 coturnix eggs 5 weeks ago. Most of them have come along well, but 10 or so still have not grown back feathers. Is this common?

Feeding 28% turkey starter
10 per cage, but sexed yet

 

[CrowWing Native]

 

[wmcarl]

Seems very odd to me.I'm not real knowledgable, only raised a few thousand.

 

[shortgrass]

Mites? Fungal infection?

Looks red and inflamed... Any sores or lumps?

 

[CrowWing Native]

Not really. They do not look like they are irritated or sore. I can't figure it out.

 

[The Quail Guru]

Feather plucking?

 

[shortgrass]

Are they crowded? Stressed?

Hmmm besides pathogens or stress, always a possibility if genetic defect, its like an exposed strip along the middle of the back... Looks like overmating would, but 5 weeks isxway too young

Hope someone else can chime in and help more than I can.

 

[dc3085]

Theyre feather picking, how many roosters are in the same cage?

 

[The Quail Guru]

Feather plucking can be caused for the following reasons:

- More than one male in one cage.
- Lack of space.
- Stress from disturbances or predators/pets.
- Malnutrition.
- Mites.

And mating or quail hitting their heads when frightened can cause bald spots on the back of their head. Just thought I'de let you know.

 

[CrowWing Native]

Thanks. I really am having a hard time figuring it out. They are getting close to being able to be sexed. Most with the issue are white, so I can't tell until they are all mature breeding age to split them up.