Chick who lost her down but is really slow to grow feathers.

[lythander]

Second year with Chicks, and when the runt-ish chick of the group seemed to be missing feathers from her wing, then her back, we figured she was descending the pecking order and treated with some neosporin. But it was always a bit odd, since there was no blood.

Now she's still the smallest, and her wings have feathered in OK, but her back has lost its down and hasn't feathered in. They're headed out to the coop soon, and I'm worried about this one. Thoughts?

 

[Blue_Myst]

There doesn't necessarily need to be blood for there to be feather picking. My best guess is that your other chicks are having fun pulling her feather down out, especially since she's the runt. Have you seen them picking at her at all? There are several products out there that can be used to prevent picking (I think one's called Blue Kote, but I'm not sure). Another thing you can do is use an infrared heat lamp instead of a white one, if you haven't done that already.

If the weather is decently warm, it's probably okay to put her in the coop, but it may be best to set up a heat lamp somewhere in it in case she needs it. Only you can make a judgment call about that.

Her feathers will come back in either when she molts and gets more of her adult feathers (since she's growing, this should be soon!)

Good luck with her!

 

[scbatz33]

What is your protein level? Just curious....

 

[chicmom]

I had a little chick just like that.....he wasn't pecked at all.....just slow growing and turned out to be my only rooster! Looks fine now, and he was sooo cuddly and loving because I was worried and paid ALOT of attention to him......

 

[Wynette]

There is a (I beleive recessive) gene called "slow feathering gene" - I would not be surprised if this chick has this gene.

 

[lythander]

They're still on "start and gro" so protein is pretty high (I'm at work, but I think it's 21%). I'll have to keep an eye out for the pecking, and try coating her back.

 

[gritsar]

I'm thinking baby roo.