Primary Feather Issue

[Michelle Muldowney-Stevens]

Going over birds today and I noticed that this pullet has odd separating of barbs on her primaries. Does this look like a genetic issue or condition issue?

[Suki]

Well here is an article on SPLIT Wing.  Look at the shots and determine if that's what you have. 

https://poultrykeeper.com/poultry-breeding/recessive-genes-faults/

Sue

[Michelle Muldowney-Stevens]

No, it’s not split wing. It’s the individual barbs on certain feathers that are separated.

[Suki]

That's good to know.  I figured I was wrong.  I said this once before and Jim Fegan told me the same.  I don't remember his recommendation offhand.

[Suki]

Like a bad penny, I have a new recommendation....

https://www.featherfolio.com/blog/how-to-fix-a-tattered-frayed-feather

[Mike Gilbert]

Going over birds today and I noticed that this pullet has odd separating of barbs on her primaries. Does this look like a genetic issue or condition issue?

I have seen this a number of time over the years and always culled the bird in question.   I considered it a genetic issue, possibly from being too closely inbred.   If it is genetic it must be recessive, as I never use birds with that condition as breeders.   Other possibilities, I suppose, could be feather mites or nutritional issues.   But unless someone has other evidence, I consider it genetic.

[Dawnalysce Clifford]

Could it be the hen just doesn't care for her feathers?  Can you smooth them out so they look normal or do they seem to twist coming off the rachis? If they twist, that's probably genetic.