Types of Feathers Part 2

I found this in the book Raising Chickens for Dummies.


On the wings:
       There are three types of feathers on the wings. The top section, closest to the body, consists of small, rounded feathers called coverts. The middle feathers are longer and are called secondaries. The longest and largest feathers are on the end of the wing and are called primaries. Each section overlaps the other just slightly.

On the legs:
         Chicken thigh are covered with soft, small feathers. In most breeds, the feathers end halfway down the leg, at the hock joint, in some breeds, however, the legs have fluffy feathers right down to and covering the toes.

On the tail:
          Roosters have long, shiny, attractive tail feathers. In many breeds, the top three of four tail feathers are narrower and may arch above the rest to the tail. These are called sickle feathers. Hens have tail feathers too, but they are short and plainly colored, and they don't arch.

Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Types of Feathers Part 1

I found this in the book  Raising Chickens for Dummies.


On the neck:
  The row of feathers around the neck constitutes the hackles. Hackle feathers can stand up when the chicken gets angry. These feathers are often a different color than the body /feathers, and they may be colorful in male chickens, the hackle feathers are pointed and iridescent. Female hackle feathers have rounded tips and are duller.


On the belly and midsection:
     The belly and remaining body areas of the chicken are covered with small, fluffy feathers. In many cases, the underside of the bird is lighter in color.