Odd feather condition

[TimG]

Hi,

I've posted about this with pictures in the "raising baby chicks" forum, the thread is here, but haven't received much of a response. So, I thought I would point folks in this forum that way in case there were people who might know the answer that don't read both forums.

In short I have two chicks (different breeds) that have abnormal feathers, they are thinner than they should be, the shafts are more visible, and the chicks have bald spots on their necks, behind their wings and on their backs. There are lots of pictures in the other thread, but here is one to give you an idea:

The condition has been present since birth. Other than appearing smaller because their feathers aren't fluffy, they seem healthy.

Tim

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

They most likely carry the slow feathering gene. Try putting this in the Genetics section, and take photos of their backs.

 

[TimG]

I have mentioned the condition (with the link to the other thread) in the genetics forum.

There is a picture of a small bald spot on one of their backs in the linked thread.

Only two of the 15 chicks exhibit this condition and these two chicks are different breeds from different sources. Neither person who I bought the eggs from is familiar with the condition. So, I have been leaning away from a genetic answer.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

The only thread there recently that I noticed about bare backs was indeed slow feathering. Perhaps I missed your thread? Can you provide a link?

Slow feathering is common in some breeds or lines.

 

[TimG]

The thread in the "raising chicks" forum is

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=207723

I've referenced in threads on the genetics forum in threads regarding my Welsumer and Chantecler chicks.

I will make a new thread there specifically to ask about this. I was trying to toe the line between flooding forums and getting my question read.

Tim