Is this a defect? Please advise about my Blue Orpingtons!

[DawnSuiter]

I haven't had the greatest luck with blues... can someone tell me if this is a defect or not? It doesn't look like I would've expected it to. It seems all I have is bad luck with blues...

 

[nzpouter]

the straw colour? you'll get that from sun bleached as well....

 

[keesmom]

How old is she (he)? I have a solid blue that will turn red/brown when she's getting ready to molt. The new feathers grow back in blue.

 

[joebryant]

Dawn, just from looking at the pictures, I'm not sure what it is that you're concerned about.

 

[Mahonri]

I don't see a problem either...

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
Suede turns super brassy just before his molt and they come in blue again. It seems pretty common with the blues, especially the ones who get lots of sun.

 

[lockedhearts]

I agree, my Blue Rooster, Indy gets very brassy in the summer and before molt. IMO it appears that the mid blue birds are most suseptable to this brassyness. I have 2 hens that are lighter blue and a darker blue they do not get brassy.

 

[AHappychick]

how old? if young I would say he might end up a bit brassy if about to molt then what everyone else said.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I agree--older, sunburned feathers. Strictly from the standpoint of esthetics, I think it looks pretty--very opal iridescent-like, but when I see a blue who is all blue without the brassy copper, then oh, is it gorgeous.

 

[DawnSuiter]

Hi Everyone.

She is about 7 months old and just came into lay... I don't expect any moult until fall. While she is exposed to the sun... it isn't like she's a free ranging chicken... she has a roof and loves the shade. I've barely seen these girls in the sun, not to mention there hasn't been any time for them to get sun exposed. They were well protected in a brooder state until winter set in and now they have their own coop.

For those who don't see a problem.... I'm amazed. I have had several blue chickens... all of whom had blue feathers... (except the brassiness in necks due to lack of melanizers). This is NOT brassy as I have seen... these feathers are plain the wrong color and it looks terrible!!!!
I have 2 blue roosters... one unrelated rooster freeranges every day... and even though he has leakage again in the neck due to genetics... the rest of his feathers are blue, solid blue.

I'm so sad