[whittle91]

hi all,
have been shown this site through my mum (debbieta)
i am a newby to all this, and also breeding quail. I am on my second lot of babies, they are now 4weeks old and as lively ever. i have 6 italian and 3 white.
Just a quick question: i am finding bald patches on my 6 italian birds and am wondering what it is? hope someone can help.

[Debbieta]

Mum says, you are probably are cuddling them too much. You would go bald if I kept cuddling you. (yes I am officially mum and sitting across the room from her!).

[Squibbs]

Mine get bald patches on the back of  their neck - its down to both mating and bullying behaviour and is a reminder that the excess males need dealing with. Though this usually start around sexual maturity which is about 6 weeks, so your may be a bit young for this explanation.

[splash101]

Are the bald patches on adult birds or the chicks.
Are the patches from feather loss or where the feathers have never grown
Where abouts on the body are the bald patches
The eggs you are hatching, are they from your own birds or do you buy them in?

(sorry for the all questions, any additional info may help)

[whittle91]

The bald patches are on my chicks on the back of their necks. Yh this batch of 9 are from my owns birds. Have had great success for my first own breed

[Squibbs]

Are they in a place where you can just sit and watch them for a while - not only is it very relaxing (well I think so anyway) but you will see what's going on.

[ANHBUC]

Hi whittle91 and welcome to the site.   

Your Mum could be right, when I handle my quail they do tend to lose feathers easily.  With chicks they could be feather pecking so if you can observe them that might help.  They shed their feathers quite regularly when they are chicks so as long as they are not too hot you should be alright.  You should be able to see their new feathers coming through soon.