What does it indicate if yellow shanked birds have bleached shanks?

When yellow shanked birds exhibit bleached shanks, it typically indicates that the hen has been laying eggs for an extended period, usually for at least three months. During the laying process, hens utilize the carotenoid pigments from their diet to produce egg yolks, which can lead to the gradual fading or bleaching of their shank color. Over time, as they continue to lay, these pigments are depleted, resulting in the bleached appearance. This change can serve as a visual cue to poultry handlers or judges about the hen's production status and health, reflecting her ongoing laying cycle.