Do Columbian Wyandotte's mature more slowly than other chicks?

[Aub]

My Columbian Wyandottes are very babyish as well! They are almost 4 weeks old and have bare spots on their "elbows?". They are mostly fuzz with a few wing feathers. The rest of my new batch of chicks are all feathered and starting to get combs.

 

[jewel1]

My Columbian Wyandottes are very babyish as well! They are almost 4 weeks old and have bare spots on their "elbows?". They are mostly fuzz with a few wing feathers. The rest of my new batch of chicks are all feathered and starting to get combs.

Do you have any pics? I'd love to see them. Here's an updated pic of Roxy, who is now just over 2-months old and still feather-challenged. It's a bit hard to see, but she's still mainly fuzz and bald spots on her shoulders and chest

 

[Deb B]

I'm in the same boat. My chicks are two weeks old now, and the EEs and Barred Rocks are way bigger than my Columbian Wyandotte. The EEs have wing and tail feathers (although the tail feathers are very short), but the Columbian is just getting her wing feathers coming in. They must just be slower to mature.

 

[Countrypunk92]

Wyandottes as a breed mature slow. They start laying around 8 months instead of 6 like a laying hen.

 

[Deb B]

Wow, that long? Good to know, and good thing I have the EEs and some Barred Rocks so I can have some eggs sooner than that!

 

[Snag]

Late to this topic but wanted to share that I also have a Columbian Wyandotte that is slow to mature. I ordered two and one is much farther along with feather growth. This peep is about 6 weeks and looks just like the peep pictured, except mine has a few feathers that seem to cupping away from her body instead of around her. I also have Buff Brahamas and Wellsummers the same age (both lovely to work with) and they are plump and fully feathered. I spoke to the hatchery where I purchased them and they suggested feeding some cat food as the protein should help her feather out and catch up.

Carolyn

 

[jewel1]

Thanks to everyone for the replies. Here's an update.

Roxy (4-months old now) has filled out pretty well but is still smaller and has fewer feathers than her sisters (her butt is still fuzzy)

Maybe I should add a little extra protien to her diet?

 

[RiddleMe]

I really wouldn't worry too much as long as she seems healthy. I have a very mixed flock of breeds and colors and have noticed that everyone has their own rate of maturing, even when they are the same breed. Of the 5 Columbian Wyandotte pullets I purchased this spring I was convinced one was going to be a boy because she was so slow in feathering out (she also had a more upright stance and a larger comb). But at 3 1/2 months old she's definitely a girl and is as fully feathered and as large as her sisters. Below pic was at 4 weeks of age.

 

[RHP63]

I have a similar group of three, a Barred rock, a Welsummer and a Columbian Wyandotte, the Welsummer is a tad bit older but they are all around 1-2 weeks the CW has about the same amount of wing feathers and tail feathers but it's body is still small and it's shorter. Glad to know this might just be a breed thing! I was worried she was sick, she also sleeps a bit more than the other two but loves to run around and play and eats like a pig.

 

[Vinniemac]

I just came across this post . As I said in a different post I ordered 1 SLW 1 GLW & 2 Columbian Wyandottes. One CW died in shipment. Day one SLW & GLW big and active CW small & wobbly on her feet.2nd day walking a little better drinking & eating sleeps a lot keeping a close eye on her.Hope she will be OK



Vinnie