Closely Feathered vs. Fluffy?

[FaerieChicken]

I was wondering the pros and cons might be to chickens being tightly feathers, with the sleek appearance, or the fluffier more loose feathering. Is the a reason/purpose for this in certain breeds?

 

[JaeG]

Hard feathered breeds are those that were typically used in cock fighting so the tightly placed feathers acted a bit like armour. The feather shaft erupts from the skin at a low angle making the feathers lie very flat. These breeds are generally game type breeds.

With soft feathering the shaft erupts from the skin at a higher angle making them look fluffier.

It's all controlled by a single gene so it all depends on what breeders have selected for.

 

[FaerieChicken]

Hard feathered breeds are those that were typically used in cock fighting so the tightly placed feathers acted a bit like armour. The feather shaft erupts from the skin at a low angle making the feathers lie very flat. These breeds are generally game type breeds.

With soft feathering the shaft erupts from the skin at a higher angle making them look fluffier.

It's all controlled by a single gene so it all depends on what breeders have selected for.

Thank you for that information! I thought it might have to do with genetics based on origin, like weather and stuff....

 

[JaeG]

It doesn't seem to be. Cockfighting was outlawed in England in the mid 19th century which led to the development of exhibitions/shows as a form of competition (without the bloodshed). So with that came the development of different breeds and often this was taken to the extreme. I personally love the game breeds so I'm glad the hard feathered breeds have been preserved (though the bantam size are my favourite), but I am partial to a bit of fluffiness here and there.