Feathering

[mccluskey85]

How long does it take, on average, for all their feathers to grow in. Our chicks are 4.5wks old and about 90% of their fuzz has been replaced with feathers. They have few bald spots, like when they spread out their wings, underneath their wings the feathers haven't completely grown in. Is this normal?

 

[MattCopeland]

6-8 weeks is around average to be fully feathered

 

[SueT]

That sounds normal. If they are kept very warm, feathers grow in slower. Have you weaned them off of heat?
I moved mine outside at 5 weeks, and they did fine in spite of lows in 30's and a few bald spots......

 

[mccluskey85]

6-8 weeks is around average to be fully feathered

Thank you!

 

[mccluskey85]

That sounds normal. If they are kept very warm, feathers grow in slower. Have you weaned them off of heat?
I moved mine outside at 5 weeks, and they did fine in spite of lows in 30's and a few bald spots......

I have them mostly weaned off heat. I can't bring myself to turn the lamp off at night. I have them outside in the coup during the day.

 

[SueT]

I have them mostly weaned off heat. I can't bring myself to turn the lamp off at night. I have them outside in the coup during the day.

They don't need heat! Really!

 

[mccluskey85]

They don't need heat! Really!

Ok!