Featherless & Humiliated

[Mickiesmadhouse]

First of all I'd like to say that I'm learning as fast as I can, but I always seek advice from those that are wiser than I, so here we go!

I picked up three Americanas chicks (ahem, we shall see) from my local feed store - one sweetie had some pretty substantial bald spots but I wasn't concerned at the time, I thought possibly she was just starting to feather out - but I caught the other chicks picking on her & pecking - so I removed her - I'm not sure of the age, I want to guess 4 weeks. The others have some bald patches too (they are darker in color) but nothing to the degree of this little white & beige one. She is eating and drinking & very vocal with no critters on her skin. . . I started (for good measure) her on electrolites and brought her inside.

*Just a note; the other chicks don't pick on each other - just her. =0( Darn bullys.

Wait and see?
cull?
medicate?
help? please?
lol

 

[sumi]

It looks like she got plucked! Poor thing. I'd suggest keep her separate and give her some high protein food to boost her feather regrowth.

 

[nurse_turtle]

She's a Gold Comet and she's gonna be fine. She needs to be kept separate until she feathers out better or the others will continue to pick on her. Make sure she is receiving chick starter as her main diet and supplement with high protein treats like boiled egg, yogurt, shredded cheese, etc. She will need chick grit to assist in digestion of anything other than chick feed. Chances are if the feed store is selling Gold Comets as Ameraucanas, you others are most likely something else. Feed stores and hatcheries sell EEs as Ameraucanas and Auracanas which is quite incorrect. She will eventually lay lots of large brown eggs for you.

 

[Mickiesmadhouse]

Oh, Thanks ya'll! You really set my mind at rest. One more question tho. . .How long does it take chicks to feather out?

 

[NovaAman]

I have a little problem with some feed stores... They don't pay attention well enough, I know they are busy, but still... Hire a seasonal worker if necessary. Well anyway, one of my local feed stores was constantly running on empty in the chick tanks. The chicks would then start eating at other chicks feathers and then some... Some of the problem continues even after purchase.. Bluekote the chicks bald spots and watch for who is/are the feather pickers. If you are still using a heat lamp, use a red bulb instead, or even a 75watt black light. They feather back up pretty quickly at this age, so... You could also try bluekoting her...
Welcome to BYC!

 

[RedDrgn]

I agree with separating until fully feathered, but I also wanted to mention that I think she might well be a he. The comb is awfully red and if it's a pea comb as it appears from the top view (kinda looks like a single from the side view), it looks like it's got the 3 ridges (pullets have 1, cocks 3).

 

[Mickiesmadhouse]

I agree with separating until fully feathered, but I also wanted to mention that I think she might well be a he. The comb is awfully red and if it's a pea comb as it appears from the top view (kinda looks like a single from the side view), it looks like it's got the 3 ridges (pullets have 1, cocks 3).

You really think she's a he?! Well crud. Thant means 2 out of three we're roo's

I only have 13 ladies. . what to do, what to do. . . more chicks? or cull a roo.lol

 

[Mickiesmadhouse]

I have a little problem with some feed stores... They don't pay attention well enough, I know they are busy, but still... Hire a seasonal worker if necessary. Well anyway, one of my local feed stores was constantly running on empty in the chick tanks. The chicks would then start eating at other chicks feathers and then some... Some of the problem continues even after purchase.. Bluekote the chicks bald spots and watch for who is/are the feather pickers. If you are still using a heat lamp, use a red bulb instead, or even a 75watt black light. They feather back up pretty quickly at this age, so... You could also try bluekoting her...
Welcome to BYC!

I believe you hit the nail on the head. I think that's exactly what happened, I don't even remember seeing a food supply in the brooder now that I think back. I'll have to lay hands on some blue kote. . . mabe I can score some at TSC. Thank you so very much for your input.

 

[RedDrgn]

You really think she's a he?! Well crud. Thant means 2 out of three we're roo's

I only have 13 ladies. . what to do, what to do. . . more chicks? or cull a roo.lol

No guarantee on that, yet, but the photos make me think so. Still, there are plenty of chickens that are crafty and deceiving for quite awhile when it comes to their gender.

General recommendation is 8-10 hens per roo, so it's up to you as to whether you want that big of a flock.

 

[1muttsfan]

Golden comets have regular combs, and that is a pea comb. And I also see three rows - possibly a roo.

Nova gave some good advice as far as blu kote and light bulb.