Feather tips turning white

[chicchick]

My 4 month old, black NN Is getting white tipped feathers scattered here and there on her body. Almost like a few scattered "grey hairs". Is it the food? Is she not getting enough of some nutrients? Or is her body chemistry changing now that she is about to (hopefully) start laying. I have her on layer pellets and she free ranges. House scraps occasionally too.
Thanks!

 

[MotherJean]

I wouldn't worry about it. I have Light Brahmas with more black feathers than I think is standard to the breed. I read that they will often lose those when they molt the first time. Unless your hen is purebred breeding stock, it's also possible that there's some other breed way back in her bloodline that's throwing a few "laced" feathers. Nothing you can do about it.