Lavender Orpington Feather Question

Aftersixpence

In the Brooder
Feb 11, 2021
14
13
37
My 17-week pullet's tail looks ragged. I do not care about the aesthetics, but want to make sure this is not an issue with diet, parasites or living conditions. As a first time chicken keeper I am grateful for any advice.

Screen Shot 2021-04-26 at 7.16.26 AM.png
 
Yeah, like sour land said. Apparently lavender Orps (maybe lavender color in general??) often have the “shredder gene” (though I think I read it’s not been verified as a single gene), causing the feathers to be raggedy like that. Breeders will breed back in black colored birds into the line to try and refresh the gene pool to reduce the “shredder gene”. I’ve got one lavender Orp that’s like that too and she’s fine! Just looks a bit raggedy!
 

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