Hen with pointy saddle feathers

[Saddley]

I have a phoenix hen with pointy saddle feathers, anyone ever see this?

 

[JedJackson]

When I saw the title to your thread the first thing I thought was "it's gotta be a Phoenix." And lo and behold, it is. Yes, this can happen in Phoenix hens. In fact, I've seen hens that have much more development in the tail than that, with sickle feathers. If she's acting normal, laying eggs, not getting 'cocky', then it's nothing to worry about, just a neato breed trait.

 

[andreanar]

When I saw the title to your thread the first thing I thought was "it's gotta be a Phoenix." And lo and behold, it is. Yes, this can happen in Phoenix hens. In fact, I've seen hens that have much more development in the tail than that, with sickle feathers. If she's acting normal, laying eggs, not getting 'cocky', then it's nothing to worry about, just a neato breed trait.

I looked at this post but couldn't help, as I know nothing about the breed. Thank you for that info!

 

[JedJackson]

I looked at this post but couldn't help, as I know nothing about the breed. Thank you for that info!

You're welcome. It is unusual even in Phoenix to have saddle feathers like that, but it does happen. I think it must have something to do with the gene or genes involved that give long tail breeds that trait. I raised Phoenix in the past and loved the breed. They're beautiful, mild mannered and easy to raise, but sadly, my Phoenix hens were the worst layers I've ever owned. Strictly for show and as pets, in my book.

 

[Saddley]

I get about an egg a day out of them.

 

[Saddley]

You're welcome. It is unusual even in Phoenix to have saddle feathers like that, but it does happen. I think it must have something to do with the gene or genes involved that give long tail breeds that trait. I raised Phoenix in the past and loved the breed. They're beautiful, mild mannered and easy to raise, but sadly, my Phoenix hens were the worst layers I've ever owned. Strictly for show and as pets, in my book.

What kind of feed were you feeding? I feed them game bird feed.

 

[JedJackson]

What kind of feed were you feeding? I feed them game bird feed.

This was over 30 years ago that I had them. They free ranged and got layer feed. Were I still breeding them I would probably give them game bird feed, but they certainly got enough protein from bugs to keep their feathers long and beautiful. They just weren't good layers for me, each hen maybe laying 60 eggs a year, which I set under American Games as mine never went broody. I imagine different strain of Phoenix are different for laying and broodiness. Mine were golden duckwing.

 

[drumstick diva]

Looks like pointy hackle feathers as well

 

[Painted Calls]

So interesting!! Thanks for sharing!