Question on Splash Coloring

[LouzonsHopeAcres]

Hi everyone,

So we're not new to chickens, but are just getting started with Jersey Giants. We have purchased 2 blue hens (both came from a well known breeder) and then most recently, a blue splash rooster (who also originally came from a well known breeder).

We are somewhat concerned about the rooster's coloring though. He has quite a bit of red/rust/brown coloring in his feathering. Although he is our first blue splash Jersey Giant, we have had a few blue splash chickens of other breeds over the years and have not come across this coloring before.

I contacted the breeder he originally came from and she said he is either suburned or is miscolored. We honestly arent sure how to figure out which one is the cause. He is a very nice bird otherwise, so if this is just a result of sun damage, then Id hate to get rid of him, especially since splash JG's seem to be very difficult to find! But on the other hand, if this is in fact a genetic issue with his coloring, then we dont want to use him in our flock, especially with trying to get a good start in the breed.

Any opinions on what is the cause & has anyone else ever experienced this coloring issue with their blue splash chickens?

Thanks in advance for any advice!!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I think he is beautiful! Looks like it's verging on chocolate up there.

That has zero to do with sunshine.

@The Moonshiner, any insight here? TIA

If you want but can't find another splash JG boy... maybe start with a blue boy and select splash from the offspring

 

[The Moonshiner]

I've never had blue or splash birds show anything like that from sun damage but have had the same look with some LF cochins once that was color leakage.
It in my case did get passed forward but I eventually bred it out but woundnt take on that challenge again any time soon if any other options.
My vote is genetic but don't make any decisions on my account.
Hopefully some others will give opinions.

 

[nicalandia]

Rusty blues are due to genetics, I would say a mutation of the autosomal Melanotic Ml gene, or perhaps he is heterozygous for it, when homozygous Melanotic will melanize the pyle zone areas(the one showing rusty on your rooster) and when in heterozygous form there will be leakage like on this undermelainzed Sumatra rooster

On females the effect is harder to spot