Buff Orpington Tail Feathers

[AnchoredHomestead]

A few of our ladies (3 of 5, all from same hatchery and same age) have black spotting only on their tail feathers. Their feet are not crusty, no spotting near combs, I’m not seeing any mites near their vent or elsewhere (Im assuming they’d be hard to miss?!). A few threads here elude to it being a possible normal occurrence. Relieve my anxiety as a first timer?! Pics attached! TIA Note: I applied additional First Saturday Lime tonight on their booties and all over the coop as a precautionary until I have a good answer.

 

[InterestingChickens]

All looks fine, nothing to be worried about. This is only a problem if you are planning to show your birds as it is a defect. Because they are hatchery quality they would most likely not be up to standard anyway. Best of luck with your flock.

 

[AnchoredHomestead]

All looks fine, nothing to be worried about. This is only a problem if you are planning to show your birds as it is a defect. Becuase they are hatchery quality they would most likely not be up to standard anyway. Best of luck with your flock.

Thank you! We hadn’t noticed the feathers like this until now, however they just got in a bunch of new feathers. Never having seen mite markings in person, my heart sank initially. Thankful for a response to ease our worries. TY!

 

[Iluveggers]

My Buff Orp has 2 tail feathers with a smidgen of black on them. She is not for show. We think it adds character.

 

[picklestheduck]

I have five buff orpingtons, and four of them at least have the black speckles on their tails just like that. They are all perfectly healthy, and from different batches, but we don’t mind one bit! They are happy girls. Happy chicken journey!

 

[Disheygirl]

Are they from Meyer? Mine has the same black on her tail.