[kegs]

One of my 3 week old chicks has (what I've just discovered is called) Split Wing.  One wing is missing the Axial feathers between the primary and secondary leaving just a gap (will add photos later).  The chick is either a Welsh Black (which is an Australorp Indian Game X) or a Jersey Giant (not sure which at the moment as they look so similar!). 

Whatever breed it is, neither will be for showing, but can anyone give me more info on Split Wing please.  Does it cause problems when the chick's older?  Do the Axials grow back? Is it a genetic fault or did I do something wrong during incubation?

Thanks.

[Casey76]

It seems to be genetic, so no breeding from it   It doesn't harm the chicken in any way, but they are much less likely to fly - though if it is a JG, not much flying goes on there anyway lol!

As far as I'm aware the axial feathers don't grow, but normally you can't tell there is anything wrong until the chicken has a stretch and spreads it's wings out.

I've grown on several chicks which had split wing to various degrees (some feathers missing entorely, some where the axials grew in twisted), and they never had any other feather problems growing up (and they were all tasty)  But I ensured I never bred from them.

[ANHBUC]

Never heard of this kegs, thanks for the info.  Look forward to seeing the photos and glad it will not affect the bird.   

[kegs]

Rubbish pic as he/she was a wriggly little thing.