Feathers on baby chicks looking ragged

[mamadrake]

Hi all...I just got four new baby sex links, and have noticed the past few days that their feathers are looking a bit ragged. They had a wet sort of look to them, but upon picking them up and inspecting them, they just look a bit ragged. I can see parts of the barbs. I don't remember this being the case with my babies last year. What could be the problem? Could this be an illness of some sort? They seem ok otherwise. Any insights are appreciated!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi all...I just got four new baby sex links, and have noticed the past few days that their feathers are looking a bit ragged. They had a wet sort of look to them, but upon picking them up and inspecting them, they just look a bit ragged. I can see parts of the barbs. I don't remember this being the case with my babies last year. What could be the problem? Could this be an illness of some sort? They seem ok otherwise. Any insights are appreciated!

Can you post some photos?
How old are they?

 

[mamadrake]

These girls I got about 1.5 weeks ago. Sorry for the bad quality image; I just have a cheap-o flip phone!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It's hard to tell. But are you talking about new feather growth and the sheath that is surrounding the emerging feathers? Those will feel waxy.
Chicks will looked ragged as they lose their downy and new feathers come in.

 

[mamadrake]

I would assume that they are getting "big girl" feathers, and that's my gut feeling, especially since they seem otherwise just fine. But I just don't remember this scrappy-looking phase with my first bunch.

 

[elmoflim]

I would assume that they are getting "big girl" feathers, and that's my gut feeling, especially since they seem otherwise just fine. But I just don't remember this scrappy-looking phase with my first bunch.

I call this the ugly preteen stage of chicks they look fine, just that awkward stage some of look fine and some look weird.

 

[mamadrake]

I call this the ugly preteen stage of chicks they look fine, just that awkward stage some of look fine and some look weird.

Thanks. That makes me feel better! I have been a little concerned...

 

[aart]

Thanks. That makes me feel better! I have been a little concerned...

Yep, looks like new feather sheathing yet to be preened off.
Maybe your other batches had an easier time shedding/preening the sheathing?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I would assume that they are getting "big girl" feathers, and that's my gut feeling, especially since they seem otherwise just fine. But I just don't remember this scrappy-looking phase with my first bunch.

Some can look worse than others, could be the other breeds you had feathered in more quickly.