Mottled Java Chicks Growing Solid Black, Is This Normal?

[FreeRangeDreamer]

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?

[CoopAlchemist]

My mottled Java cockerels had slight buff leakage, too. It seems like a flaw that some lines carry. If you plan on breeding, you might want to look for birds with stronger mottling genetics.

[EggTinker]

If you're raising them for breeding, I'd wait until their first full molt before making any decisions. If they still look solid black, they might not be the best birds for improving mottling in a flock.

[FarmsteadFowl]

Sometimes feed can play a role in feather development. Are they getting a balanced diet with enough protein? Poor nutrition can sometimes delay proper feather patterning.

[Coopinator]

If they don't show any mottling by their first molt, they probably won't at all. Some birds carry the genetics but don't express them well due to poor breeding selection.

[CrowingMystic]

Mottled Javas can take a while to show their true pattern. After their first molt, you may start seeing more white speckling appear. I'd give them a little more time!

[ChickMagnet]

My experience with mottled breeds is that they can be unpredictable. I had one hen stay black for nearly a year before suddenly developing beautiful white markings. Genetics can be tricky!

[CoopCrafter]

The buff leakage in your cockerels is concerning. Mottled Javas should be strictly black and white. It's possible your birds aren't purebred, or they carry genes from another breed.

[GardenGuru42]

I had a similar experience with my mottled Javas. They stayed mostly black until they were around eight months old. After their first big molt, the mottling really started coming in.

[CoopCaptain]

If you got them from a breeder focusing on Java preservation, they might still develop the mottling later. But if they stay black after their first molt, you may have gotten a weakly mottled line.