Ancona feathers turning brown

[melmitchell]

I have a one-year-old black Ancona that I thought was a drake. He doesn't have the curled tail feathers right now, so I'm not really sure if he ever had them and I didn't notice or if he just went through a molt. Recently, his black feathers have begun turning brown, similar to the color and pattern of a Mallard hen. Is it possible for a drake's feathers to turn brown, or do I have a hen that I wasn't wasn't aware of?

 

[1lpoock]

It is probably a drake going through eclipse plumage....they will get female colors for a little while, before they get their plumage back. If he is getting brown with mallard coloring then are you sure it is an ancona?

 

[melmitchell]

Thanks! I had no idea that they did that. I'm sure he's an Ancona. I guess I should have been a little more clear with the explanation. I noticed that some of his black feathers are turning brown, all of his white feathers are still white. I used the Mallard hen description only because that's what the coloring of the newly brown feathers reminded me of. Thanks for all of your help!

 

[Blooming chicks]

Oh my goodness!! I had no idea. My Mallard is going through the same thing and I had no idea what was going on with him. I'm so glad you posted that question. Thanks!