Molting as Growing Up

[centrarchid]

These chicks are day 17 post-hatch. The have already began replacing the flight feathers that were erupting at hatch.

The last chick, a pullet, is what looks to my eye to be butterscotch colored.

 

[centrarchid]

I hope to be able to collect the feathers as shed. Odds are they will eat them as soon as they fall off. Will try anyway.

 

[centrarchid]

Male chick kept jumping on me after he was manhandled during the marking process. Maybe he wanted more colors?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

What is your marking system? If I may ask...

 

[centrarchid]

Sharpies. Colors will be consistent with feather position.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Yes, but, um ... what do the different colors tell you? I mean, what data are you tracking with the different colors?

 

[centrarchid]

Yes, but, um ... what do the different colors tell you? I mean, what data are you tracking with the different colors?

The colors indicate what specific position a feather has on wing or tail. it will enable me to determine sequence of replacement since not a swapped out at same time.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I see, thanks.

 

[casportpony]

Fun experiment!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I hope you post your results!