Why do my white birds look yellow?

[vetgirl00us]

I have two gorgeous show quality Belgian Bearded D'uccle roos and I wanted to show them for the fall season. They were very white looking and now it looks like their feathers have turned pale yellow. I have also noticed this in some of OE self blues. What is it? They don't seem to be dirty and mostly it is the hackles and saddle feathers.

 

[Mahonri]

What do they dust bath in?

Maybe they need a wash and shampoo?

 

[Break an Egg]

I read it can happen from eating too much corn in the feed, but I noticed a yellowish tipped feather near where the hackles would be on a self blue OEGB yesterday. She is about 5 months old, so I am thinking there has to be another reason other than corn in the feed.

 

[Turner]

Not uncommon in white birds - unless kept in prestine conditions 24/7. Before you show them bath them with a whiting shampoo - lots out there, make sure you rinse well so they do not have a blue or purple tinge. Bath a few days out and put in cages with clean shavings. Good Luck!

 

[pookiegoldman]

I don't have any advice for you, since I have the same problem...Just want to say that your avatar is Awesome!

 

[crazyhen]

Too much sun can also cause the feathers to turn yellowish. Gloria Jean

 

[emvickrey]

As you have already been advised of many different reasons. If you feed them scraps don't feed them carrots. I made that mistake with my silver Phoenix and he turned a light golden color. I have white silkies that look a bit yellow in places and it could be from them dusting in the dirt or from the scratch. I learned my lesson on feeding carrots. lol

 

[swheat]

Quote:
I agree, too much sun. Hackle and saddle feathers are most noticeable factor from too much sun. For white show birds it is best to limit exposure to sun(preferably in the morning) .

 

[Lollipop]

Quote:
This is true. It`s called "bronzing" and is caused by exposure to the sun. Ask any show judge..........Pop

 

[()relics]

I concur...Its The Sun...UV radiation...Not really a fix, that I know of for a suntan either.