no tail feathers at 5 months will they grow in?

[Wendy'sChicksRock]

I have 2 barred dom's who have NO tail feathers yet. they have pink little hineys still. I do see some of the other hens pecking at them from time to time but nothing out of the norm. Will they still get them?They were with over 100 chicks in a very small area when I got them so not sure if they ever had them. what do ya think?

 

[CMV]

That depends on how much damage was done and if it is continuing. Are they still being picked at? If so, then the feathers won't grow in until the picking stops. If not, then the feathers may grow back in at some point soon. If the picking was bad enough then the feathers may not grow in until after their first molt, which is at about 18 months. To encourage feather growth increase the birds' protein intake.

Good luck.