Sebright Feathering

[ArborChicks]

I noticed a distinct difference in some of my 3 week old Sebrights wing feathers. Three of them have what I would consider to be a true lace pattern where they have lots of gold coming in with a prominent black edge around the tip of each feather. The other two however, look much more mottled in appearance. They are gold and black, but almost have a barred look to them.

I was curious if this is a baby trait and after their first molt they will have actually lacing, or is this the feather pattern the chicks will have when they are older? These chicks were from a hatchery and one clearly has a single comb, so they obviously aren't high quality chicks, but I would like to focus on the individuals that actually hold to the breed standard if I can. (Of course the single comb has beautiful laced feathers...)

Thank you!

 

[WVduckchick]

Pictures?

I looked back at pics of mine, and I wouldn't say that had a barred look, but it definitely takes some time for the full lace pattern to fill in all over.

 

[ArborChicks]

 

[ArborChicks]

They just look really dark to me...

 

[WVduckchick]

Hmmm, yea that's pretty excessive "smuttiness" if that's all it is. I would guess mixes, but maybe you can pop over to a Sebright thread and ask there. I had a flock for a while, but ended up rehoming them.

Could even be silver/gold cross.

 

[ArborChicks]

Hmmm, yea that's pretty excessive "smuttiness" if that's all it is. I would guess mixes, but maybe you can pop over to a Sebright thread and ask there. I had a flock for a while, but ended up rehoming them.

Thank you for the reply!
So "smuttiness" is to correct term? I can definitely remember that.

Why did you have rehome yours?