Bare Patch in Feathers

[Euarto Gullible]

Hello,

My other RIR chicks don't have a bare patch like this one on the wings. I am curious if his feathers are just coming in slower or if it is an indicator of something wrong.

 

[redsoxs]

Might want to check for parasites or watch to see if he's being picked at by other birds.

 

[Euarto Gullible]

I've already inspected the bird, and it looks like compressed feathers emerging from clear quills, but I don't know if this is normal molting. My other RIR's are fully feathered all ready, both roos and pullets. I didn't see any visible signs of parasites, but then...I don't really know what I'm looking for. The bare patches are on both sides, and there is also one on the front of the neck. These guys do get pecked by the older generation and lose a feather now and then, but I've only seen it happen a handful of times in many dozens of hours of chicken watching. Usually they get pecked on the back or at the base of the neck when they try to steal a treat from a bigger bird. The feather loss is inconsistent with what little pecking order pecking that I've seen.