Dull Looking Buff Orpington

[Casa de Poults]

Hi all. I have a one year old Buff Orpington that was really bright colored when I got her. She has gone through one molt. However, her color never came back. Her body is dull and her head is still the beautiful buff color. She eats very expensive food and I put conditioner pellets in there as well. She free ranges. Any help is greatly appreciated. I would like to restore her lusture if possible.

 

[Basil G]

If she is free ranging, then the sun will change their colour.one of my NHRxBO was almost white because of the sun

 

[Casa de Poults]

Wow. I never thought of that. What a bummer. She was so bright before. Now just her head stands out. Total Bummer. Thanks for the info.

 

[TwoCrows]

My birds feathers lose their luster as well. The sun can damage the feathers, over preening can dull them, not enough dust bathing, just being a chicken can dull the color. I am not sure how to restore this color or whether the feed has a lot to do with it, although I have found that apple cider vinegar seems to help with my birds. Once or twice a week put 1 or 2 tablespoons of acv in a gallon of water in a plastic only waterer. Change this after 24 hours. My birds feathers seem to gloss up more when I stick to this program. Also, I was told that adding Calf Manna Performance pellets will also help with the feathers. I add this to my birds diet. They love the stuff. I don't know if the feather condition is improving, but the laying sure has picked up.

Welcome to BYC and enjoy all your poultry adventures!

 

[drumstick diva]

I wonder if buff orpington show people have a remedy for this. Maybe they just keep them in shade or indoor runs. I would think to win their birds would have to present the right color.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! X4 on it might be the sun, some of the 4-H handbooks mention it, ie this one from the Florida Extension Service.
EFFECT OF SUN ON COLORED
BREEDS
Although sunshine will not harm birds, show
birds should not spend several hours per day in direct
sunlight. Sunshine can fade the plumage of solid red
breeds and those with red backgrounds, such as Mille
Fleur bantams, or cause brassiness (yellowish
metallic hue) in varieties with pale plumage,
especially white, blue or buff. Once the plumage
becomes faded, there is no way of correcting this
before a show. Moderate exposure to the sun should
not be a problem. It is the constant day after day
exposure that can cause problems.

 

[SilkiesForEver]

I had a buff Orpington who went through a molt, and grew back pale orange feathers, compared to her bright golden plumage prior her molt. She was healthy and happy.

I'm sure that didn't help, just wanted to put that out there.

 

[gander007]