Four week chicks losing feather

[ManitobaQuail]

So we’ve been raising quail for years and this is a first. There’s about 45 four week old chicks in a grow out pen in the garage. They ALL look like this.

What’s happenin?? Molting?? Don’t think it’s overcrowded has we have been making it work for years.

No feather loss on the breast. Hoping it is just plucking but please let me know!

 

[Kale the Quail]

@muddy75

 

[muddy75]

What’s the temp?? have you removed all heat lamps etc??
this type of feather loss at 3-4 weeks typically means overheating

 

[ManitobaQuail]

What’s the temp?? have you removed all heat lamps etc??
this type of feather loss at 3-4 weeks typically means overheating

Removed at 2 weeks. The garage got HEATED by Mother Nature for about two weeks straight. Outside temp was 32 to 35 and the garage was boiling. Perhaps that’s why? (Around 90 degree)

can they even get mites or lice in the garage? They’re in a 5 ft tall grow out. Thank you

 

[ManitobaQuail]

What’s the temp?? have you removed all heat lamps etc??
this type of feather loss at 3-4 weeks typically means overheating

Also none of the two week olds had lost any feather. They’re mixed in the same grow out.

 

[muddy75]

i’m going to bet it was temp related based on your reply and with two week olds not showing any issues. mites/lice are not out of the question but highly unlikely. could also be picking but still related to temp....watch for panting and maybe provide frozen water bottles and/or fan on really hot days.....would also recommend adding electrolytes to the water. unfortunately if heat related, sometimes the feathers do not grow back......but if growing out for food purposes that won’t hurt anything.

 

[ManitobaQuail]

@muddy75 so you think they’re just over heated hence the feather loss? I’ve tried to look for mites on the skin and vent but don’t think I found anything...

 

[ManitobaQuail]

i’m going to bet it was temp related based on your reply and with two week olds not showing any issues. mites/lice are not out of the question but highly unlikely. could also be picking but still related to temp....watch for panting and maybe provide frozen water bottles and/or fan on really hot days.....would also recommend adding electrolytes to the water. unfortunately if heat related, sometimes the feathers do not grow back......but if growing out for food purposes that won’t hurt anything.

i’m going to bet it was temp related based on your reply and with two week olds not showing any issues. mites/lice are not out of the question but highly unlikely. could also be picking but still related to temp....watch for panting and maybe provide frozen water bottles and/or fan on really hot days.....would also recommend adding electrolytes to the water. unfortunately if heat related, sometimes the feathers do not grow back......but if growing out for food purposes that won’t hurt anything.

Ah I see, thanks so much! And yes I did notice the panting! Too bad, now I learned...(for years we had no issues but the heat waves this year came early and was pretty bad).

Yes, just for food. And was going to replace some older hens but I guess we shall see... thanks again!