Partial Featherlessness

Partial featherlessness is a mutation that causes coturnix quail to have patches of bare skin across the back of their head, back down, stomach, thighs, and chin. It has been confirmed in a lab, though it is still under-researched and needs more information.

It is a partially lethal mutation, with high mortality in chicks from hatch to maturity. It is possible for birds to survive to adulthood and reproduce, though fairly rare. Chicks will have no buds for feathers in the areas mentioned, and they do not grow the feathers in as they mature.

It is believed to be linked to the black-at-hatch gene, as there is a high rate of incidence between the black-at-hatch chicks and the partial featherlessness. They are not on the same locus, but likely on the same chromosome and very close to the same locus. Therefore, it is likely to be seen almost entirely on black-at-hatch chicks and not elsewhere.

It is not believed to be in public hands at this time, and no further information after 2008 is available.

Breeding with Partial Featherless

Partial Featherless x Partial Featherless = high mortality, 100% Partial Featherless

Partial Featherless x Normal Black-At-Hatch = 100% het. Partial Featherless, appears partial featherless (HPF)

Partial Featherless x Normal = 100% Gene Carriers

Partial Featherless x HPF = 50% Partial Featherless, 50% HPF

HPF x HPF = 25% Partial Featherless, 50% HPF, 25% normal Black at Hatch

Partial Featherless x Gene Carriers = Lower rate of partial featherless, higher rate of normal chicks. Percentages unknown

HPF x Normal = Normal chicks, some gene carriers

HPF x Black-at-Hatch = 50% HPF, 50% Black-at-Hatch