Shredder gene?

[ChickNanny13]

Get the blacks & improve your lavenders ... Sorry I lavenders, was not aware of the "shredder" gene.

 

[Sneebsey]

Fray is recessive, like Lavender. It will be tricky to breed out, but can be done. I would advise not breeding this particular hen, and to carefully breed any of her sisters with the knowledge that they are likely carrying the gene in its single-factor form, unseen. Continued crossing to blacks will eventually breed out fray, but you risk losing the Lavender too.

 

[Justicedog]

Does this affect their health or just the look of the feathers?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Does this affect their health or just the look of the feathers?

I believe it just affects the look.

 

[MomJones]

Thanks. I wasn't aware of the gene when I purchased these ones. Now to decide if I continue with lavenders and attempt to breed it out of my flock or not. I have my eye on some black orpingtons, which was originally what I wanted but couldn't find. I can either just go with them or use them to improve my lavenders.

Black OrpingtonsGorgeous gorgeous