Strange looking area on 3 week old

[jeffro29]

I have a three week old buff orp, and from its neck all the way down the breast plate it looks like it was cut open. The skin is there but no feathers. It is about an 1/8 inch wide. I didnt know if this was normal. None of the rest have this problem but I have some with stunted growth also. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. jeff

 

[Renee]

Hey Jeff,
Can you post a photo? It's hard to say from a description.

 

[jeffro29]

 

[Renee]

Okay, I think that's normal. Malays and Asils stay bare like that all of their lives, but your chick will probably feather out.

About the other chicks with stunted growth: are they all the same breed? Some breeds grow more slowly than others.

Do you have them on free-fed chick starter? Are you using medicated feed? Are the runty ones being pushed away from the feed by the bigger chicks?

My runt turned out to be at the top of the pecking order, so don't fret too much.

Renee

 

[silkiechicken]

Normal when they out grow their baby feathers and big feathers come in late. Nothing to worry about.

 

[jeffro29]

Thanks for the info I feel better now. The small ones are all barred rocks and they eat plenty whenever they want. So I guess patience is in order. Thanks again. Jeff