Black sheen on feathers

[hcammack]

Do only males have a sheen on the black feather because my supposed wyndotte hen has this sheen on her feathers?

 

[NewGuineaChooks]

In the country where I grew up, about 1/3 of the hens in existence were black, and all had the iridescent sheen to them.

We guess their ancestry was Australorp, many generations back. So, not speaking specifically to Wyandotte type, but shiny black hens DO exist.

 

[hcammack]

Ok because she exhibits all the characteristics of a hen but has shiny black feathers.

Thanks
Henry

 

[CovenantCreek]

I don't know if it applies to chickens, but it seems like in most of the animals I've lived with a sheen or glossy look has always been an indication of good health and nutrition.