6 weeks old chick & no tail feathers

[RaptorQueen]

One of my almost 6 week old chicks (Palmer) does not have a tail. It is one of four that I have. They are all different (barnyard mix). Is this something to be concerned about?

 

[Yardmom]

Some chickens genetically don't get tails. I can't tell if that is what is going on with your boy (yes definitely a cockeral) or if he will get them later.

 

[RaptorQueen]

Some chickens genetically don't get tails. I can't tell if that is what is going on with your boy (yes definitely a cockeral) or if he will get them later.

Thank you for replying! He is the one that looked the scraggliest the longest and he still has quite a bit of down on his bottom. His comb became prominent quite early though, and I think it has been red/pink for a few weeks so I was thinking it was a bouncing baby boy. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

 

[Perris]

I don't think it's anything to worry about. I've had a few over the years and currently got one 10 weeks old and still to grow a tail

 

[RaptorQueen]

I don't think it's anything to worry about. I've had a few over the years and currently got one 10 weeks old and still to grow a tail
View attachment 4149395

How pretty and whimsical! Thank you for sharing. That makes me feel better knowing your experience with having them over the years.

 

[Sc_chickengirl]

I've had different chicks that had their tail plucked out when they were little that never had a tail then. If you haven't noticed that its a good chance its genetic imo. If it had a breed like a Araucana in its background then that would be why.

 

[RaptorQueen]

I've had different chicks that had their tail plucked out when they were little that never had a tail then. If you haven't noticed that its a good chance its genetic imo. If it had a breed like a Araucana in its background then that would be why.

I haven't noticed any feathers being plucked out. A tail just seemed to never have been there other than a nub around 2 weeks. He is still a little fuzzy bottomed and there seems to be one or two very tiny feathers that stick out sometimes when he stretches out his wings.