Why do their feathers look like this?

[chiknGeek]

I've got five lavender orpingtons and all of them have messy fuzzy feathers as shown in the picture. All of the other breeds in my flock have smooth, normal feathers. Do orp feathers just normally look this way?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The lavender gene can be associated with what's been called the shredder gene. It gives the birds a messy appearance.

 

[chiknGeek]

Interesting. Is there any health problem associated, or is it just a defect?

 

[keesmom]

No health problems, just a visual one.

 

[3KillerBs]

I don't have any of these birds, but just for information:

Do the shredded feathers compromise the bird's insulation for heat or cold? Do they compromise their protection from getting wet?

 

[keesmom]

I have a hatchery black Cochin with the feather shredder gene. She is 5, and always looks like an unkempt mop. She's survived heat waves and the excessive cold we had a few winters ago just fine. She has sense to stay out of the rain, so not sure if being soaked would have any effect bit I doubt it.

 

[chiknGeek]

Good to know! I don't mind them looking unkempt as long as they are healthy.

 

[Madhouse Pullet]

I have 2 Lavender Orpington chicks (1.5 month old) and they look the same. I personally do not know for certain but I have read (somewhere) that it's common for them to appear that way due to the gene... as @oldhenlikesdogs said:

The lavender gene can be associated with what's been called the shredder gene. It gives the birds a messy appearance.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

It's not much different than the frizzle gene which flips the feathers "inside out" essentially where they fold over backwards. I've got a bunch of frizzles and they weather the cold fine and I imagine they are much more comfortable than the rest of the flock in thew warm!