Question about mottled coloring

[SpeckledPullet]

I was told recently that mottled cockerals are well known for not coloring up much until after they're a year old or older. Is this true?

 

[draye]

It was with our Mottled Java's. Though they were hatchery stock, that might make a difference.

 

[SpeckledPullet]

Quote:
Thanks! You know, I didn't even think to ask the lady who told me this if she had hatchery stock or not. I don't "think" she did, but I don't know her well enough to say for sure.

 

[Illia]

The way I see it - Mottling doesn't officially show up until their second feathering (a few months old) Then after that, their mottling will look about the same until their next molt, and so on from there - The white will get bigger.

And of course, there's the whole thing of hatchery mottling vs good mottling, and slow growers (Javas) vs normal growth (Games, etc)