Signs of feather picking in 5 wk old chicks? (pics included)

[reedyfork]

Not sure the best place to post this, so I'll also ask it under "Chicken Behavior".

I have 5, 5+ week old RIR chicks. One of the chicks (who's always been the "runt") is looking pretty rough. I don't see any obvious wounds, redness, blood, mites, etc., but she still has some bare patches, downy patches, and areas where many of her feathers look scraggly and sticking out.

These are my first chicks, so I'm just wondering if this is simply a slow feather-grower, or if she's getting picked on, or what? I have yet to actually observe any feather picking behavior, and the other four chicks seem to all look "normal" and fully-feathered. Am I just over-reacting, or is this something I need to deal with?



Thanks!

Ron

 

[jerseygirl1]

Ow, wish I could help, but I remember my RIR's at 5 weeks and they were all feathered out

 

[Hollywood Chickens]

She may just be a slow feather grower, if she is the "runt" then she would be a little slow at everything. just make sure that she eats and drinks

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
I agree.

 

[easttxchick]

As long as you don't see any bleeding, I agree with the others that it is just slow feathering.
You might want to put some Hot Pick or something on the bare spots just so the others DON'T start to peck at them.

 

[aimeeinwv]

we had one that took a while to feather out. Poor thing was so ugly! Now, she is beautiful and one of my largest hens. I agree, if there's no blood, give it a little time and see. Keep a close eye for infection. It'll probably grow up to be the most beautiful!!!

 

[reedyfork]

Thanks everyone. This makes me feel alot better! I'll keep an eye on her, and it will probably help once I find a new home for the two males I have. Should eliminate any crowding issues...

Ron

 

[jayburd]

I have 2 out of 8 with same problem. They are both small and have bare spots. I was thinking of bringing them in to seperate them from others just incase they are getting bullied.