Sebright roo feathers turning white

[Attila the Hen]

I have a Sebright roo that has several feathers that have turned white. He is keeping to himself away from the other roosters.
Does anyone have any idea why he might be getting white feathers and what I can do about it. I don't care that he has white feathers -- just want to make sure he is okay.
thanks so much

 

[coach723]

For the white feathers my understanding is that common causes are
1. breeding/genetics - the bird may not be from pure lines and there may be some other breeds mixed in there which can show up in the feathers.
2. diet - missing something in the diet necessary for forming the pigment.
3. Health - can be caused by stress, illness, injury.
I have had hatchery chicks have white feathers come in after their first adult molt, production reds and wyandottes in my case, so I have always assumed that it's due to genetics and not being pure lines, since none of them had any illnesses. Sometimes the next molt the white feather is replaced by a colored one again.
Here's some general info on bird plumage if you are interested: https://academy.allaboutbirds.org/plumage-variations/
For the keeping to himself I would check him over well for any signs of illness or injury or lice/mites. If he is molting that may make him feel a bit bad also.

 

[Attila the Hen]

Thank you so much for your post. Very informative. Essentially supported what I thought might be the case but wasn't sure.
I've treated the guy for mites but somehow I don't think that's the problem nor do I think he is sick. He has been this way awhile and eats what everyone else does. They free range, get feed and snacks.
I'll keep an eye on him. I've wondered if the white feathers are what are keeping him lower on the pecking order. As for genetics -- I have no idea. He was given to me and reproduced what look like other true to breed sebrights.
Thanks again for taking the time to respond to me.