Lav or blue & shredder gene

[fatcatx]

I have 2 hatchery blue australorp with feather issues. Everything I read points to this being the shredder gene but that seems to be associated with the Lavender gene (per multiple threads)? Hatchery does not sell Lav birds. Can the gene effect any color or is there something else going on?

 

[JedJackson]

It's blue, not lavender. The feather condition could be caused by feather lice or a nutritional problem. Over mating is another potential cause.

 

[fatcatx]

@JedJackson thx! None of my other chicks (different breeds) have this issue and they are fed high quality food and def no lice so guessing it is overbreeding. Can this be caused by poor nutrition in the hen?

 

[JedJackson]

@JedJackson thx! None of my other chicks (different breeds) have this issue and they are fed high quality food and def no lice so guessing it is overbreeding. Can this be caused by poor nutrition in the hen?

If the rest of your flock is happy and healthy then I doubt it is a problem with nutrition or pests. It wouldn't hurt to give her a little extra protein and fat, say from a small amount of raw sunflower seeds.

In my experience blue chickens are somewhat prone to feathering problems, it's just less common that with the lavender color. Actually all colors can get it. The cause may even be a simple as the hen having brushed up against something. So though it is unsightly, it's otherwise not something that should cause too much concern.