Strange tail feathers on my hen... is this normal? (pics)

[TrystInn]

4 months is generally too young for a molt, closer to 18 months is the so-called average. Hmn. Let us know how this goes.

 

[midd2005]

4 months old is not too young for a molt. juvenile chickens go through several adolescent molts before the real deal.

by around 4 months old my 7 chickens could have about filled a small pillow.

i think you simply have a hen with a couple wonky tail feathers. give it a couple weeks and i bet they won't stick out like that anymore.

 

[wbruder17]

Several of my hens have had longer tail feathers like that. It seems that they do that right before they fall out.

 

[Robin'sBrood]

Quote:
I agree. And I love the word "wonky"...

 

[kera!]

I Think It Might Be A Roo

 

[Year of the Rooster]

Highly doubt that it's a rooster. She just seems to have a few stiff tail feathers rather than a soft, rounded cushion that Cochins should have.

 

[catdaddy66]

is her name Alfalfa, perhaps??

 

[CrazyForCochins927]

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[CrazyForCochins927]

Well, it looks like the strange tail feathers have fallen out. I looked closely at the skin nearby and it doesn't look rough or anything. I guess it is possible she was just molting. In any event, she is OK. Thanks for the help everyone!!!!