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Straw color in Self Blue/Lavenders

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Temple DaSilva:
I wanted to ask the collective knowledge base here for an opinion on what is causing this straw color in my bantam self blues/lavenders.  I just assumed it was later onset diluted red leakage but before I go all crazy getting rid of birds, I wanted to be sure others didn't think it could be sun damage or some other environmental factor.  I'm including a pic of this bird in January and now in August.  Pretty striking but not in a good way.  :-(

Thanks in advance,
-temple in CT

Clif Redden:
It's leakage.  Looks like he also has duck foot, left foot.

Temple DaSilva:

--- Quote from: Clif Redden on August 10, 2016, 03:39:19 PM ---It's leakage.  Looks like he also has duck foot, left foot.

--- End quote ---

Hi Clif,

I figured it had to be leakage as I have others from this hatch that are doing the same thing and aren't exposed to sun. 

As for the duck foot, just a wonky photo.  He's fine with his toes on that foot.  It's his feathers that are a bit of a challenge!

Thanks for your quick input.

-temple

Paul:
  The old feathers will off color shortly before molt.  Wait until after he molts before doing anything drastic.  I've found that the self blues turn this straw yellow, blues turn red, and blacks turn a rusty brown, then they are good again after new plumage!  The main thing is that he didn't have any off color at 5 to 6 months of age-if so that would definitely be leakage and he should NOT be used as a breeder.  If the straw yellow starts developing at 10-11 months of age its old plumage getting ready for molt.

Temple DaSilva:

--- Quote from: Paul on August 13, 2016, 08:32:50 AM ---  The old feathers will off color shortly before molt.  Wait until after he molts before doing anything drastic.  I've found that the self blues turn this straw yellow, blues turn red, and blacks turn a rusty brown, then they are good again after new plumage!  The main thing is that he didn't have any off color at 5 to 6 months of age-if so that would definitely be leakage and he should NOT be used as a breeder.  If the straw yellow starts developing at 10-11 months of age its old plumage getting ready for molt.

--- End quote ---

Hi Paul,

THANK YOU! I just couldn't believe these guys could crash out like that but was prepared to let them go (one next Wednesday to a backyard flock).  I will hang on to them as they haven't started molting yet and hold out for some nice clear feathers to replace them.   I'll keep the group posted as, if that's the case, I think having three photos of this phenomenon over the different time points would be interesting.

Thanks again!
-Temple in CT

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