Mottled Java Chicks Growing Solid Black, Is This Normal?

[HappyHens]

I've raised Javas before, and mottling can vary a lot between birds. Some develop strong patterns quickly, while others take up to a year. Keep an eye on their next feather cycle!

[Eggnigma]

I'd double-check with the breeder about the genetics. If the parents were heavily mottled, you should see at least some white speckles by now. If not, they might not be well-bred for the trait.

[CluckAndGrow]

I had a batch of mottled Orpingtons, and their white spots barely showed at five months. After their first full molt, though, they transformed! You might still see changes soon.

[RoosterWrangler]

I have two mottled Java pullets and two mottled Java cockerels that I purchased as chicks from a local breeder at the beginning of June. Now that theyre almost five months old, Im starting to question whether their mottling pattern is developing as it should.

The pullets are completely black, with no visible mottling at all. The cockerels, on the other hand, have black feathers with buff leakage instead of the expected black-and-white mottled pattern. When I got them, the breeder assured me that their mottling would improve as they matured, but so far, Im not seeing any change.

Is this typical for mottled Javas? Do they develop their white mottling later, or is it possible that these birds wont show the pattern at all? I'd love to hear from others who have raised themwhat was your experience with how the mottling developed over time?

It sounds like your cockerels might have some genetic leakage, which happens in some Java lines. If you plan on breeding, I'd recommend selecting only the best-patterned birds.

[LiamLeghorn]

From what I've read, mottling is a recessive trait that doesn't always express well in every bird. Some birds show heavy mottling early, while others stay mostly black their whole lives.

[EggsAndThings]

You could try gently parting their feathers to see if there are any small white spots underneath. Sometimes the mottling is there but just isn't as visible in juvenile feathers.