No tail feathers...why?

[kuhnse51]

I hatched a few eggs from my buff orp rooster and black australorp hen....4 of the chicks (11 weeks) don't seem to be growing any tail feathers besides some soft downy ones that curve upward. Anyone know why this might be? Could it be something to do with hidden genetics of the parents (they're hatchery birds)? One does have tail feathers coming in.

 

[TiffysFarm]

I don't know the answer but I also have a Rhode Island Red that never grew a tail!

 

[kuhnse51]

It's so strange, there should be tail feathers with these breeds lol