Newbie here, but raised with chickens. My Rhode Island Red rooster is developing fluffy feathers at the base of his tail. He is 5 years old. In this picture the inset was taken about a year ago. Recently I noticed the fluff at the base of the tail. We had a hen that died a year ago, and he has been by himself since then. He follows us around like a puppy. Any ideas what would cause this? I think it spoils his regal look!
Could be a little bit of feather loss, but I'm surprised he's only just developing it now. Most of my cockerels and cocks have had this parting of feathers their entire adult lives.
