I could use some advice from any lavender orpington enthusiasts! I know the so-called "shredder gene" is a recessive gene that is prevalent in birds with the lavender breed. I also know that the best way to get good show quality birds is to breed them so that the gene doesn't present itself in the birds' phenotypes. However, I have 3 lavender orpingtons, a rooster and two hens, that all are homozygous for the gene. I know ideally I would cross them with a black orpington and then breed back to a lavender to get chicks closer to show quality, but I'm a college student on a college budget getting ready to move to a different state, so that isn't exactly going to work for me. So I'm wondering, is there a way to reduce the appearance of the shredded feathers in these birds in order to give them the best chance at show this summer? Either by using certain conditioners or nutrition? Thanks for any advice!
