Broken Tail Feathers

[Paul Martinello]

Done!

 

[Paul Martinello]

I'm told that in these parts they molt just before winter, which is June next year...

 

[aart]

Ah....yep, you'll have to wait then, mate.
Shortening days is what triggers molt,
2-3 months after the summer solstice,
no matter what month it comes in.

 

[Paul Martinello]

Roger.
Looks like I have a broken chook for another 3/4 year

 

[Paul Martinello]

Sorry to keep harping on about this, but she’s looking a little mutilated. Should I pluck the damaged feathers so that they start to re-grow? Or should I just be patient and wait until next year for the molt?

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Plucking is painful. She won't miss them, per se... I'd just leave her be.

 

[aart]

Sorry to keep harping on about this, but she’s looking a little mutilated. Should I pluck the damaged feathers so that they start to re-grow? Or should I just be patient and wait until next year for the molt?

Be patient, she doesn't care, they don't affect her health or functions.
Are they getting damaged further?

It's just maybe the first time you will see funky feathers?
It's always a little sad, but you'll get used to it.

Most folks have a few birds with less than pristine plumage in their flock.

Tho if you really want those feathers grown back in, yes, you could pluck them.
I think show folks might do this, for perfect plumage at showtime..not sure tho.
It would be painful for her and could possibly cause some damage to the follicle or skin/tissue around it.
You'll have to decide what's more important, how she looks or how she feels.

 

[Paul Martinello]

The last thing I want to do is cause her any discomfort. I’ll just be patient, thanks for the advice

 

[Paul Martinello]

First proper free range yesterday, they were absolutely loving life! The coop will never be the same again