Shoulder Baldness

[sirschuster]

I was wondering if anyone could identify the exposed "nubs" on this chicks shoulders. I think it's just slow feathering and not picking add I have seen zero picking behavior in this batch.

I've also been suspicious of this particular Cuckoo Maran as a possible Roo (very large headspot, slightly thicker white banding). Can such feathering patterns, or lack thereof, be a sign off a cockerel?

 

[chooks4life]

Yes, if the slow-feathering gene is present in a breed the slower feathering does indicate a male, and it looks like this one might well be. Also the one behind it, on the right, has 'suspicious' feathering too lol.

However in my flock of mixed-breeds I have both slow and fast feathering genes represented and it doesn't mean they're males. Time will tell.

Best wishes.