Newbie BL Wyandotte pullet with scanty crusty feathers

[Winns4]

We are totally new to BYC keeping. We bought 6 pullets of various breeds that we were told were about 6-8 weeks old. All have beautiful feathers except this little gal. she seems small, crusty and scanty. she is eating, drinking, snuggled up with the whole flock and I see no bullying. Any feedback based on photos. I asked the owner of the farm but I have not heard back yet. Thank you!!

 

[Rose the Legbar]

Her feathers look to have been plucked. The feather shaft has broken in some places in the skin so those feathers won’t regrow until her next molt. Watch for further picking but it will take some time for her feathers to regrow

 

[townchicks]

It seems like normal pin feathers as far as I can see in the pics. She may just be a little younger than the other chicks or behind in her feathering for some reason. Keep an eye on her, but if she's acting normal otherwise I wouldn't be too worried.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Agreed, she's been picked on by other birds, but the pinfeathers (the spiky looking things) are feathers growing back in and since she's young she should feather back in without too much issue.

One of my first chicks also had a bare patch on her back when I brought her home from the feed store lot, you can see how quickly the feathers started filling back in. First photo was 7-9, second was 7-21.

 

[Winns4]

Agreed, she's been picked on by other birds, but the pinfeathers (the spiky looking things) are feathers growing back in and since she's young she should feather back in without too much issue.

One of my first chicks also had a bare patch on her back when I brought her home from the feed store lot, you can see how quickly the feathers started filling back in. First photo was 7-9, second was 7-21.

View attachment 3959782

View attachment 3959783

Beautiful before and after photos!

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree, that one may be slower to feather in, so I would just watch her and make sure they are not pecking her. Have they all been together since hatch? What are you feeding them? Make sure they have a little chick grit when they are on grass, and getting foods other than chick starter. Just put a little out so they can take some when needed. Around 12 weeks, they are usually big enough for adult poultry grit. Good luck with your babies.