cowlick?

[Blue Egg Acres]

One of my cockerels has developed, just in the past couple of weeks - so at around 6 months, what looks to be a small \"cowlick\" on the back of his head. Has anyone seen this before? I assume it\'s a reason to cull him.

[Blue Egg Acres]

The photos are blurry but hopefully you can see the \"cowlick\".

[Blue Egg Acres]

Sorry about all this but here is a clear photo.

[Mike Gilbert]

Barb, is it possible this bird had his head picked by other birds when he was younger and just feathering out?   If so, there may have been damage to the feather follicles that is causing this now, but that would not be genetic.   I sometimes have this happen with my young birds, but it is usually the tail that gets picked out, and that causes twisted feathers or mis-shapen tails when they get older.   I have had it happen on their heads  though, and sometimes it even leaves a bare patch of skin where there should be feathers.   This spoils them for showing, but it would not be a problem in using them as breeders.