Juvenile molt.

[Rebechenson75]

My birds are all just over 8 weeks old. I learned recently that they will go through a molt around this time. I asked a week or so ago about some feathers turning white. Is this part of the molt? I'll try to get more pics most of my birds have odd white feathers in their plumage.
As for nutritional stuff. They are on 20% all flock. They get treats every couple of days. Usually cabbage. They have grass to forage on.

 

[SilverBirds]

What breed is it? Some breeds of black birds just have a few white feathers under their wings that most eventually molt out of.

 

[Rebechenson75]

What breed is it? Some breeds of black birds just have a few white feathers under their wings that most eventually molt out of.

The one pictured is my Black Copper Marans. The others that I can see feathers turning white are God Laced Wynadottes. I can't tell if my light Bramahs are having this same issue.
I never notice a white feather end on Teri before yesterday.
I'm a worry wart and constantly check my birds over for possible problems.

I've only been a chicken tender for 8 weeks.

 

[SilverBirds]

The one pictured is my Black Copper Marans. The others that I can see feathers turning white are God Laced Wynadottes. I can't tell if my light Bramahs are having this same issue.
I never notice a white feather end on Teri before yesterday.
I'm a worry wart and constantly check my birds over for possible problems.

I've only been a chicken tender for 8 weeks.

Sounds completely normal.

 

[Rebechenson75]

I've never Ben called normal.

Is the normal part dealing with being new or is it about their feathers?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Is the normal part dealing with being new or is it about their feathers?

Both. Being new you tend to worry about things that are not a problem. But if you have worries never be afraid to ask. You don't know if it is a problem or not. You don't want your chickens harmed because you are afraid to ask.

Expect them to go through another juvenile molt in another 6 to 8 weeks. That's when they will get their adult plumage. Most chicks will mostly have their adult feather colors during their juvenile molts but I've seen some that had some exceptions. Personally I would not be concerned about it. What is important is how they feather out in adult plumage.

I've seen adults change their feathers when they went through an adult molt, after they were adults. The plainest example was a hen that had a Mottled pattern molted and came back as an Exchequer when she was a year and a half old. A beautiful pattern.

Then there is the concept of "leakage". Even breeders can have this happen. That's when feathers of a different color leak through the plumage, generally a recessive color hiding in the background. I've had random gold feathers on what should have been a solid black rooster. It is pretty common for white chickens to have a stray black feather, sometimes several black feathers. Or red.

There are different things that could be going on with your chicks. I do not consider them a health problem. It may sort itself out in their adult plumage or not. I don't know how big of an issue that may be for you but it is pretty common. Good luck!

 

[Rebechenson75]

Both. Being new you tend to worry about things that are not a problem. But if you have worries never be afraid to ask. You don't know if it is a problem or not. You don't want your chickens harmed because you are afraid to ask.

Expect them to go through another juvenile molt in another 6 to 8 weeks. That's when they will get their adult plumage. Most chicks will mostly have their adult feather colors during their juvenile molts but I've seen some that had some exceptions. Personally I would not be concerned about it. What is important is how they feather out in adult plumage.

I've seen adults change their feathers when they went through an adult molt, after they were adults. The plainest example was a hen that had a Mottled pattern molted and came back as an Exchequer when she was a year and a half old. A beautiful pattern.

Then there is the concept of "leakage". Even breeders can have this happen. That's when feathers of a different color leak through the plumage, generally a recessive color hiding in the background. I've had random gold feathers on what should have been a solid black rooster. It is pretty common for white chickens to have a stray black feather, sometimes several black feathers. Or red.

There are different things that could be going on with your chicks. I do not consider them a health problem. It may sort itself out in their adult plumage or not. I don't know how big of an issue that may be for you but it is pretty common. Good luck!

Thank you. I'm definitely not afraid to ask. I have a friend that raises yard birds. I pepper her all the time. Unfortunately she lives 1300 miles away and can't come over to see for herself. We have been friends for about 20 years now.

I didn't grow up around farm animals so this is all new to me. I am planning to start raising rabbits for meat next year as well. I hope there is an app for that also.

Have a blessed day. Remember to stretch your wings and breath.

 

[TOMTE]

The plainest example was a hen that had a Mottled pattern molted and came back as an Exchequer when she was a year and a half old. A beautiful pattern.

Do you have pics?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Do you have pics?

No. I lost those photos in a computer crash years ago.

 

[TOMTE]

No. I lost those photos in a computer crash years ago.

Aww. That sucks. I looked up Exchequer chickens and they are seriously beautiful. Is it a breed or pattern?

Not to derail the thread. OP's bird is so pretty. I want one <3