Grey chick's white fluff

[tas6_1999]

Dear Members,

I have a subject for discussion with the Grey breeders on the list. It is the initial white fluff of the chicks. What deficiency causes the chick’s birth without the initial white fluff?

Regards,
Taz

[Gracie]

All baby birds are naked when hatched. They develop white "fluff" called down as they grow. Then they grow pin feathers.

[tas6_1999]

Hi Graci,

Thanks for your advice. So, any idea on not developing this white fluff and the pin feathers apart from a few exceptions.

[JillyBeanz]

Hi Tas - I aree with Gracie about the points raised. Do you mean you have bread birds which don't develop down or feathers and remain bald? Adult birds retain their downy feathers as insulation under their "real" feathers - something which regenerates continually - birds always have the downy feathers too - can you clarify further what you mean in order that your question can be fully answered

[tas6_1999]

The parents bred and the previous clutch of two chicks did fine and looked fine. In the second clutch, one chick appeared with little fluff which was gone as it grew and now after two months it grew wing feathers but no downy on the chest and legs (naked). Hope, I have made the point clear. Regards. Taz