Self-Blue Cochin Bantams - Page 2

I thought I would post some photos to show how the f2 Self-Blues developed.  I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement in type in just 2 generations.  The f2 SB's are a mixture of Blue Legged, white skinned birds and Yellow legged, yellow skinned birds.  The best cockerel and pullet are Blue legged.  However, I have 2 yellow legged pullets and a yellow legged cockerel that are close in type.  The heads are much improved.  Lobe color is terrible, but can be attributed to the pair of Self-Blues I started with.  I will breed the poor lobe color out in time.  Feather quality is fair, and better in the pullets compared to the cockerels.  I will select for feather quality with the f3 birds and beyond.  The plan is to use both the yellow legged and blue legged birds and cross back to Blacks for the f3 generation producing more SB split to Blacks.  Assuming type is much better with this generation, I will use only yellow legged f3 birds for the following f4 matings.


   
Blue Legged Pullet, Blue Legged Cockerel, Yellow Legged Pullet
 
 
Yellow Legged Cockerel, Group shot

Lavender is a very distinct color.  It is called Self-Blue by the standard and as can be inferred from that naming scheme, when bred Self-Blue X Self-Blue, they only produce Self-Blue.  Blue on the other hand is genetically much different, and Blue X Blue will produce, Blue, Black and Splash.  Additionally, Blue varieties should be laced whereas Self-Blue are not.  It's a very even color.  When viewed from the underside, Lavender (Self-Blue) feathers have dark shafts.