Chicks purchased with plucked skin along spine

[PNWskye]

hello!

I’m new to raising chicks, so when I purchased a few 3-4 week old chicks from the feed store and saw their stripped backs, I had to help! What can I do to help them mend and regrow feathers?

Thanks in advance!
PNWskye

 

[MROO]

Poor babies! I do't know about chicks that young, but I've used Neosporin on 3-4 week olds. Anyone know if it's okay on babies this little?

 

[hatchichickens]

So bizarre! You can get a supplemental booster to add to their diet. They will begin to feather rather quickly so I wouldn’t worry about it too much. It looks like the pin feathers are already surfacing . Just keep an eye on them and update if any strange developments occur.
Have fun with your new chicks!

 

[The Phantom]

Do they have mites? I think you can use neosporn.

 

[2 many chickens]

Maybe their losing some of their baby feathers. That's normal. My chicks are 4 weeks old and some look like they were attacked by mini lawnmowers.. they are just losing their kiddie feathers and preparing for big kid feathers. If I make any sense....lol

 

[drumstick diva]

whatever you use neosporin for do not get the kind with' CAINE ' ingredients

 

[drumstick diva]

I think down the middle of the back, is where new feathers start as chicks grow up. For instance a yellow chick may end up with white feathers on the back. Pin feathers show that new feathers are coming on board.

 

[PNWskye]

Thank you so much for the suggestions! I didn't know about pin feathers as my other chicks are younger (~2 weeks), so I haven't encountered pin feathers or the mowed down back. LOL.

I will check for mites. One of the new ones (the Speckled Sussex) does have a head twitch, and I read that it could be from mites. Can I add a dust bath in the brooder? Will that help?

Thanks!