What is this on my chick?!

[kristinhennifer]

New chick from Tractor Supply today,

 

[Sally PB]

I've never seen that, so I'm tagging some more knowledgeable members.

@azygous, @Eggcessive, @Wyorp Rock
Have you ever seen anything like this?

 

[azygous]

A photo is not worth a thousand words. You still need to provide a written description since you are able to experience this weird thing in 3D plus smell and sound while we only see it in 2D.

Add your location as it often provides plenty of clues that are relevant.

 

[Eggcessive]

I haven’t seen that either.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

When you pulled those off the chick, did it flinch? Did it bleed? Those feathery things coming off them, were they inside the chick?

 

[WingItRanch]

Weird suggestion but is it possible that chicks could get developing feathers stuck like humans get ingrown hairs?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Weird suggestion but is it possible that chicks could get developing feathers stuck like humans get ingrown hairs?

Best suggestion we've heard so far, lol ...

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes, I think it's odd feather/fluff growth. I've seen this in photos before over the years. Seems like it usually resolves after the chick loses it's down and goes into its first juvenile molt.

Probably right, similar to ingrown feathers or at least feathers/down that balls up and never unfurls.