How did THAT happen?

[Minky]

Hi folks.
I have 22 hens and hatched out 16 chicks last year to appease some broody welsummers. LOL
Out of 16 one was lost to a predator and 2 were hens. Yes, 13 roos out of 16. OMG.
ANYWAYS one of my roos came out with feathered feet... and none of my flock has feathered feet.

Can anyone tell me about feathered feet genes?

 

[sylviethecochin]

My experience with feathered feet is that generally, they're dominant. Have you inspected every bird? Maybe one has some little feathers that went unnoticed? Are they hatchery, or from a breeder?

How prominent are these feathers?

 

[Minky]

The feathers are quite prominent. Ill post photos tomorrow.
The mom is one of my Easter Eggers, and it was fertilized by my roo (he was that was hatched here at our farm and was 1/2 cream Legbar and 1/2 buff orpington?)!

 

[sylviethecochin]

Random mutations are a thing, and the first feathered legs had to come from somewhere, but it's weird for prominent foot feathers to crop up out of nowhere.

Do any of your neighbours have chickens, maybe?

 

[Minky]

Hi sylviethcochin - we are on 27 acres, with no neighbours in sight in any direction.
Going out now, hope to get a photo of his legs. If not, I have some of him- just not sure they show his leg feathers. His name is Mukluks.

 

[Minky]

Well, I forgot my cell phone. Ill try and take a better pic tomorrow- but here's one from the other day--- The feathers are very obvious and on both legs. Kind of like down the shaft- but not covering his toes/claws.

This is Mukluks

 

[Folly's place]

Well, he's handsome and unique!
Leg feathering will vary a lot, from none to heavy, if it's somewhere in his pedigree. What breeds or crosses are in your flock? it came from somewhere. Marans?
Mary