Unevenly distributed melanin

[Sonoran Silkies]

In looking at my chocolate (dun) youngsters yesterday I noticed that about half have very even pigment distribution throughout the feathers, and in the others it appears to be almost barred (no white, just different amounts of pigment), although unevenly. No bird appears to have it both ways. These are same aged birds raised together; same feed and water. All parent birds are evenly coloured. One bird has one feather with about a 1/4" series of very, very small bars, and the feather is much narrower there.

I believe this is probably related to feather growth, and in some way the birds with uneven pigment are missing something during this time? Ideas? Is a molt likely to correct the problem?

 

[KinderKorner]

How about some pictures?

It would help with your question and I'm sure everyone would love to see some of your beautiful birds.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I'll try to take some photos, but these are polish and F1 silkieXpolish. If there is uneven distribution in the pure silkies it isn't apparent, although due to the nature of silkie feathers, I am not sure it would be apparent.

 

[Krys109uk]

I know what you mean. I sometimes get it in lavenders. I also get poor feather quality with some of the lavenders. Like you, I think it's something that happens during feather growth. It seems to happen mostly when they are young. As if the growth of the feather is being interrupted or something. Sorry I can't be of any help. I hope someone can give an actual cause.

 

[KinderKorner]

I'm not sure if it's the same. But i do notice some of my chicks get Striping on their feathering when they are young. But they always seem to moult out of it. Now you've got me wondering. Is it some sort of vitamin defiecency? I don't know. hmm