Stressed Chicks?

[MrLeeHo]

I have 2 Black Asian chicks about 4-5 weeks old. This week we moved them into the Coop/Run with our 2 EE's that are 10-11 weeks. We still have them in the brooder to keep them separate and get used to each other. We are moving the brooder into the run in the morning and coop at night. This morning when moving the brooder out, i noticed one of the Blacks looks like their feathers are either not coming in, irritated, or she is pecking herself ragged. She almost looks "wet" but there is no moisture. She also seems stressed out atleast to some extent. They really want out of the brooder box but the big girls still seem very interested. I don't know if the feathering is stress related or if there may be a pest irritating her. None of the others seem affected. What could be going on and what can i do? They have been outside for 4-5 days now and i was planning to let them loose this weekend when i have the chance to be outside to monitor and make sure they are safe.
Thanks

 

[Aunt Angus]

Pictures would help. That doesn't sound like the result of stress to me....

Also, you may want to leave the brooder in there for a bit or section off part of the run for the new chicks. Some people have had lots of success raising a cage up just a few inches so the small birds can get under it to take refuge if needed. I used welded wire and built a run within a run. It took a looooong time to integrate my groups.

 

[MrLeeHo]

I will get pics in just a bit and repost. Thanks

 

[MrLeeHo]

Adding pics of both the black chics. One seems to have irritated skin of some sort but i dont see any spots that would indicate mites and no other critters crawling on her. The first 3 pics are the one that doesnt seem affected. Last 4 are the one im worried ab. Thanks

 

[Aunt Angus]

Looks like its adult feathers are coming in. Those are pin feathers. Pin feathers can be painful and irritating and can make them stressed out.

 

[Aunt Angus]

In other words, they seem fine! All that is normal. Just keep an eye on them for any other worrisome signs - just in case. Some birds struggle with this process more than others.

 

[MrLeeHo]

Thank you so much, this has been out first year doing this and the EE's that are now 10-12 weeks old never seemed to look like this, their feathers seemed to appear overnight without any of the irritating or bald spots. I feel much better now.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Thank you so much, this has been out first year doing this and the EE's that are now 10-12 weeks old never seemed to look like this, their feathers seemed to appear overnight without any of the irritating or bald spots. I feel much better now.

As long as they eventually start looking normal, all is well.

 

[MrLeeHo]

The babies broke out of the brooder last night and have been free in the coop/run with the big girls since. Not much pecking, they are keeing their space from each other.

 

[Homesteadermomma6382]

She looks very healthy to me!! Congrats on integration. I haven't had many issues with integrating my birds. I have a very accepting flock.