This might sound kind of odd, but could I have a dominique who's tail feathers have been plucked or pulled out by other chicks? I have 4 RIR, 2 Americaunas, and 2 Dominiques. One of my Dominiques has no tail feathers. She looks to be approximately the same age as everyone else, same size and feathering. There are just no tail feathers, or evidence of them even appearing. Everyone else has tail feathers that are approximately 1.5-2 inches long, and she has nothing.
How old are they? Feather picking can definitely lead to someone being tail-less, but you'll want to put a stop to it if that's the case. When you observe them, does she seem to get picked on?
Nope, she doesnt get picked on. I think I got her sans tail. The Dominique's were the last additions to my flock. They are about 3-4 weeks right now.
Here's everyone just hanging out this morning when I went into the garage to say good morning and check on everyone. Miss no-tail is right there smack dab in the middle.
Hmm, they're younger than I was thinking. They look good. I don't see any bare patches or pick marks on her, so she might just be a late tail-grower.
I had a Dominique chick last year with tail feathers very late coming in. She turned out to be a he. All other were pullets and had normal tail growth.