Base of a molted feather black

[hschisel]

Our pekin, Ferdinand, is on his millionth molt in the last year. Everything seems normal and he's still a big jersey, just as he has always been He has been dropping mostly the side feathers below his wings. I was picking up a bunch and noticed one has a really dark colored base. I haven't seen any more with it. It kind of looks like possibly dried blood to me? No sign of being sick or in pain, and no feather rot anywhere. Any clues as to what this could be?

 

[Ratchnick]

It looks like blood in the shaft. That's normal for a feather that is still growing. Looks like either it got pulled out or it did not grow properly. Either way i would not be concerned.

 

[Isaac 0]

millionth molt

Do you have a more realistic number in regards to how many times he's molted this year?

Drakes should only molt twice, or three times a year. If he's molting more often than that, it's possible there is an underlying problem affecting the integument. The feather you're referencing would not be concerning to me unless you start seeing it on a regular basis.