Avian Production Management

FEATHER TYPES

The various types of feathers are as follows:

• Contour feather: This forms the general covering of the body and wings including the large flight feather of the wings.
• Covert feather: These are noticed on the base of the wings and do not have barbicels; also called fluff.
• Down feather: This is present in newly hatched chicks. Sometimes it is seen below the contour feathers especially in the abdominal and head regions.
• Filo plume: Hair like structures under the contour feathers of the body, which can be seen when the feathers are plucked. It consists of an axis and very few terminal barbs.
• Pin feather: Are very small feathers.