Chrisd346 7 Report post Posted October 12, 2014 Does this sound right? I don't have any photo's at the minute but he has the complete black breast mark, no tear drop and a completely black tail, no white at all. He is one I bred myself and when i researched to see what mutation he was the description seemed to suggest the tail would still be black and white although patterned slightly different. Has anyone else had this, is it normal enough? Thanks alot in advance! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KareemSerry 16 Report post Posted October 13, 2014 He could be missing some tail feathers. -Kareem Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrMe3257 28 Report post Posted October 13, 2014 I agree with kareem as BB usually have black feathers with while feathers partially covering the black. Stephen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrisd346 7 Report post Posted October 19, 2014 I didn't think of that. So they have black feathers and white feathers as opposed to black and white feathers? I haven't seen any evidence of feather plucking or any feathers lying in the cage. Seems quite strange that only the white ones be missing though. I will have to keep an eye on it to see if any potentially missing feathers grow back. Thanks again, Chris Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulm 119 Report post Posted October 19, 2014 Hi Chris One explanation is as Kareem and Stephen have said missing feathers, the reason only the Black and white barred feathers could be missing is they are located on the top layer of the tail. Another explanation is the bird could be over Melanistic. Paul. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrisd346 7 Report post Posted October 22, 2014 Thank you Paul, I had actually thought that myself about the melanism but wasn't sure if it would be right. Will this have any adverse affect on the bird, breeding etc? Thanks again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paulm 119 Report post Posted October 22, 2014 Hi Chris Not that i'm aware and it may well moult out normally. Paul. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrisd346 7 Report post Posted October 22, 2014 Brilliant Paul, thanks for the reply. I shall keep an eye on him! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites