Do feathers fade over time?

[Delta2 23]

I've noticed something.

When Eggie was a young pullet, she was dark red, a very dark dark red. Nowadays she's faded so much you can barely distinguish between the feathers and her white speckles!

LT and Cherry, the younger hens, are also starting to fade. Cherry used to be a magnificent mahogany-like colour, now she's almost as orange as LT!

it's weird

 

[nivtup]

Yes the feathers will fade, especially in the sun.

They will be renewed when they molt, and the vibrant color will be back.

 

[Delta2 23]

Oh yes, there's definitely plenty of sun over here...
I'm kinda worried though, because none of my hens have molted. once. The oldest is a couple of months away from being three, and is so washed out you can hardly tell what colour she's meant to be

 

[ChicKat]

Yes,

I notice that my Barred Plymouth Rocks are going from black and white to brown and white.... the sun will fade the colors.