Shredder examples

[dorklandresident]

Could someone help me out and post some pictures of chickens with the shredder gene and those that do not? I had chickens before and I never even heard of this until I got the orpingtons. I think mine are normal feathered but I am not so sure now.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

This happens with the lavender gene....I have yet to see a smooth lavender bird as even my lavender from two splits is terrible.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

The “shredder” gene is associated with the lavender color. Especially in hatchery birds you will see this feather type. Folks who breed lavender birds will often breed back to a good quality black bird within the breed that has excellent feather type to help decrease the shredding. Most hatcheries could care less about this, so the majority of hatchery quality birds will have the shredded feathers.
Serious breeders are working diligently to breed birds that do not have the shredded feathers.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Photo of my lavender Marans pullet that I bought from reputable breeder. She has some shredding you can see at the base of her tail, but it’s not as bad as some birds.

 

[dorklandresident]

Photo of my lavender Marans pullet that I bought from reputable breeder. She has some shredding you can see at the base of her tail, but it’s not as bad as some birds.View attachment 2938521

Cute baby

I understand from reading on here that the shredder trait is an undesirable one. I don't think it looks that bad, myself. Still look pretty to me. When I bought the LOs I didn't even know that the shredding was a thing until I read about it in here.