Just got new 8wk old pullets, all are missing feathers

[My1stChickens]

I would be very surprised with parasites at that age. I really think their patchy feathers is a result of growth and juvenile molts.

oh that sure would be nice! I can tell they have ZERO socialization. They are so used to being crowded the literally just walk over each other. But today, much less picking and ruffling of feathers. And the two that seemed a little red in the comb are nice and pale pink today. Progress!

 

[rosemarythyme]

They did not have a roost at the feed store, so they just sleep on the floor-- and are extremely skittish. Don't think they've been handled at all.

Very normal that they don't get handled, though funny thing for me - the feed store lot where I got my picked over pullet had a lot of roosts set up, so another pullet I got at the same time knew how to roost and taught all my other chicks (same age) to roost as well.

The picked over bird was skittish and remained that way through her life, but she did calm down over time enough that she could be picked up and handled when needed, even if she didn't like it.