Henny Feathering - when?

[JuliB]

I have a small flock of juvenile Golden Campines. They are 14 weeks old and my rooster is showing distinctly pointy saddle feathers. I mentioned that I thought I needed to cull and replace with a new rooster but someone else said give it time because he may develop the henny feathering after his first adult moult. Does anyone have any firsthand experience that can offer advice on henny feathering and when to pull the plug? As is, it’s a definite glaring disqualification but I want to know if it might correct.

 

[Cyprus]

If he's exhibiting it now, he always will. He either has the gene or he doesn't.

 

[JuliB]

I know Wikipedia isn’t to be trusted but this was what I pulled from there.


Hen-feathering in cocks does not manifest itself unless the feathers are developed under the influx of sexual hormones. The effect on feathering is just the same both whether the hormone comes from the own testicles of the male or from an injection of testosterone.[1][11][12][13]

Chickens of both sexes develop male-type plumage after gonadectomization. Strictly speaking, they develop a neutral plumage with long acute feathers, like those of male plumage, because ovarian hormone is also necessary to develop female plumage.[1]

 

[Fueron]

I believe that if he is heterozygous for the gene, he will grow out with rooster feathers, and then molt hen feathered after his first year. I would keep him and see.

 

[Gray Farms]

Sounds like genes you don't want in a breeding flock regardless if he molts out the long saddle feathers or not. I'd cull/rehome him.