Feathertastic Facts

Why do Birds need Feathers
Feathers play many important roles. First of all, they are greatly responsible for flight. They also have quite a bit to do with temperature regulation. Without feathers, chickens could not regulate their body temperature of 101°F. A lack of feathers would also leave the bird's skin unprotected.

The Parts of a Feather

• Rachis location of vane attachment
• Vane zip" and unzips and gives the feather shape
• Afterfeather location of vane branch off
• Downy Barbs feathers lacking the interlocking
• Hollow Shaft the tip of the feather which connects to the bird

Feather Patterns
Some common feather patterns of chickens

• Penciled
• Mottled
• Laced
• Spangled
• Cuckoo
• Barred

Resources

• Loma Vista/Ventura County 4-H Poultry Project (2014-Present)
• National 4-H Avian Bowl Manual by Dr. Francine Bradley
• Chicken Feathers by Joy Cowley
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics
• https://amerpoultryassn.com