Bare Feathers

[Heiser Homestead]

Is this something I should be concerned about or is it just a natural phase of the new feathers coming in? None of the other chicks look this bare. Her back looked like this when we first got her, but now I feel like it’s more pronounced and in more areas. Thank you for your help!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That can be normal for some as they grow out of their feathers.

Sometimes chicks can start to pick and peck at each other. Generally it's from too much heat and not enough room to run. You can usually see it going on if you spend some time observing.

 

[Heiser Homestead]

That can be normal for some as they grow out of their feathers.

Sometimes chicks can start to pick and peck at each other. Generally it's from too much heat and not enough room to run. You can usually see it going on if you spend some time observing.

Thank you for responding! I sit and watch them a lot (quarantine) and haven’t noticed much pecking. I will keep an eye out though. Does this still look like enough room for them or do we need to move them to the coop soon?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That's a 250 watt bulb? It may be too hot. Generally after 2-3 weeks chicks need more mental stimulation. Yours look to be about that old?

They can go out daily if it's warm enough, or permanently out to the coop if it's warm enough or you move their heat source with them. I generally get mine weaned off heat by 3-4 weeks of age at this time of year with the warmer temperatures.

Generally every 2 weeks chicks need more room or things to do to keep busy.

 

[Heiser Homestead]

That’s great advice, thank you so much!