It's described as a "mutation". It's not desirable, that's for sure. I don't think it makes the foot look better-- right now because my chick is still just downy and doesn't have the feathers coming in, I think the feet look crazy and off balance! I'm sure that will change as the feathers grow in and cover up the tip that is missing. I've not had a bird judged with this kind of mutation, because all of my birds feet are in tact. We're starting out with 4-H and trying to set up a nice breeding program for my kids for the next 10 years or so. So I'm really worried about the birds I'm starting out with and the chicks we are getting. I just don't want to have to go back and correct problems later on when I could do it now.Is the Brachydactyl gene that bad? I kinda think they should show better with the section missing...makes them look even more fluffy.
These are definitely non-related birds. I raised the hen from an egg in Kentucky and bought the roo here in CA.
Yeah, definitely non related! Well then, it does sound pretty common if you got it with your pairing! Good to know, thanks!!!

