Lost a Feather - HELP

[burnindaylight]

Molly is into her first molt and all is going well. Until tonight....

Molly had been in her weathering area all day today and enjoyed a slow soaking rain for most of the day. In the late afternoon at chow time, I provided her with just over a half a quail and as she is feeding I look down to find a feather below her perch. Not a molted feather, but a brand new tail feather.

The feather is just over 2" in length and has the white waxy sheath attached...looks as if Molly might have pulled it out as she preened?

Would a feather this early in the molt and at such a young stage grow in again?

Has anyone experienced anything like this?

Any advice or information would be appreciated!!

Thanks -

Pat

[Master Yarak]

Although unusual its not unheard of. My guess is that the blood supply got cut off too early and went somwhere else (ie rediverted) I am almost positive it will be properly replaced before its finished moulting.
Yarak

[burnindaylight]

Thanks Yarak - I checked with a couple of the local falconers I hunt with and no one had heard of such a thing happening. I was certianly bummed out but hopefully she will replace it in time!!

Her diet has been good and she is otherwise healthy and growing some great looking feathers!

[burnindaylight]

Yarak - looks like your spot on - the feather is growing back in!!

Thanks!