7 Week Old Chicken question

[stevearino]

I have a 7 week old (6 and a half actually, turns 7 this Sunday) that does not seem to be feathering out completely... While walking around he looks normal, but when he roosts, lays down, or opens his wings to stretch, the backside (usually covered by his wings) is bare, no feathers at all. Is this normal? Is it just part of the growing up process? I notice a couple patches on some of its brothers and sisters where they lack a few feathers, but not as much as this chick. None of them, including this one, act sick or distressed from when I observe them.

If I need to post a picture I can tomorrow. I just noticed it tonight when I went out with a flashlight and I didn't have a camera. I'm hoping its just part of the "growing up" process of the chicken, but I thought I should ask people who knew since I am still new to this.

 

[Ourfamilyflock]

Sounds like you might have a few pickers in your flock. They might be pulling out the feathers of the others. They could be molting, but that doesnt seem like its the case of that age. I'm guessing you have one bully or two perhaps that is pulling out the feathers. Bullies tend to stick to the same spot when they pick.

Hopefully not, Im rather new at this, so not 100% sure of my answer, I'm sure others will weigh in with answers.

 

[RonC]

Often a roo's feather will develop slower. If it's comb is redder than the other's you may have yourself a young man er ah roo there.

 

[WI FarmChick]

I have 9 week old's almost 10.... I have been told they will go thru a couple small molts to replace their juvenile feathers.
Mine have already done/doing this now.

As for the rooster. I have 4 and 1 still has not much of a tail. the rest of him is fine. they do take longer to get their feathers.

 

[chikenscratch]

I have 10 that are around the same age and they all have the same thing that you are describing. From the outside they look fully feathered, but if they stretch or spread their wings there is a lot of bare under there. Also, I don't think it has anything to do with pecking, molting, or gender. Of my 10, 6 are female and 4 are male and all of them have the same characteristics and none of mine are aggressive or molting. Give them more time, they'll be fine.

 

[stevearino]

Great! Thanks very much for your replies! I can sleep well tonight now!

I was afraid it might have been something serious. I'll give them some time and hopefully it'll clear up within a few weeks!

 

[thomaschickens]

I'm glad I found this post. I have 14 babies that are just about 7 weeks (give or take a day). There are a couple of them that look feathered until their wings move and you see their back. My two BLRW's are the most "naked" on their backs lol. Glad to know it's normal!