For Genetics Experts---2 Questions

[Chickanmanfromarkansas]

1) How many generations does it take to breed out feather legs?
2) Would it be best to use a Dominique or Barred Plymouth Rock to create Barred Wyandottes?

Actually anyone that knows can answer. Appreciate any answers or comments at all.

Chickanmanfromarkansas
Randy Wilson

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

Feathered legs can be bred out rather quickly. It's a dominant trait, so all of the first generation of chicks will have feathers. But, in the second generation, you'll get 25% chicks with no feathers. If you select only chicks with no feathers on their legs as breeders, you should continue without feathered legs.

I'm not familiar enough with Dominiques to say - but you should choose whichever breed is more similar to Wyandottes in appearance.

 

[Chickanmanfromarkansas]

Thanks TurkeyMountainChickens.

 

[joe17]

I need a silkie with out feathered feet! They get soooooooooooooooo dirty!

 

[Henk69]

Most feathered feet are by 2 dominant genes. So the chances would slim. But still can be bred out in 2 generations.

 

[High Roost Ranch]

Little feather stubs will be an ongoing battle for generations to come. You'll have to keep checking your birds for stubs. I've had them pop up on some of my aged Wys that aren't project bred birds.

 

[lildinkem]

I been told you can eliminate most feathered offspring by the 3rd generation

 

[blackdotte]

Shank feathering and stubs are the result of totally different & unrelated genes.

 

[Chickanmanfromarkansas]

Sorry about being so long in getting back to this.
The reason I asked this question about leg feathers is because I want to improve the size of my Easter Eggers. I thought Cochins would be the best to use in upgrading for size. The only other option would be Jersey Giants but they take too long in growing off.

Anyone eith an answer for the Barred Wyandotte question?

Chickanmanfromarkansas

 

[opalwednesday]

chickenman have you done it yet? I just got some showgirls (im SO in love with them) but the feathered feet are soo weird to me.