Discoloration

[Southern Ann]

My black English Orpington that I have had for a few years is starting to grow white feathers. What could be happening?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Maybe she’s getting old

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My black English Orpington that I have had for a few years is starting to grow white feathers. What could be happening?

She could be getting old and grey like some of us fogeys??

Some of my older gals are going grey/white. That would be my biggest guess if you aren't seeing any other issues.

Lovely pic!

 

[Southern Ann]

I was thinking maybe old too but she's about to be three years in April. Is that old for a chicken?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I was thinking maybe old too but she's about to be three years in April. Is that old for a chicken?

Age depends on the individual. Some will live more than 10 years while I have lost others before 2.

I'm not that grey yet at 44... but my daughter has had some silver strands since she was at least 2 years old. Some people bald in their 20's. While other may never grey or bald.

No I don't think 3 is that old for a chicken. But in humans at least, when the hair turns color like that it is a chemical/hormonal change that takes place. Wouldn't surprise me if it correlates somehow the same way.

And when I got a Cayuga duck (black)... the facts stated that they would get lighter with age.

My Marans hen that is greying is doing it in her copper areas and also 3-4 years old.

I could be wrong. And I am here to learn! But I personally would not be worried unless I saw more concerning things in addition.

Thanks for sharing! Surprised this is the first time I've seen that question.

 

[Gray Farms]

Its common for birds to get white feathers as they age. Especially with darker colors it seems. I used to have a Dark Brahmas hen the was nearly totally white by the time she died at 5 years old.