I agree with this Wapoke, just identifying some tell tale signs I recognize in the Iowa Blues, specifically the lines I've raised. They vary quite a bit.
I agree from the top, why one might think this was charcoal, however the light down on this chick definitely makes this one silver. the variation is because of the variation in pg - the pattern gene, which makes them penciled or laced, and the presence or absence of Db or melanizers that make...
I realize this is an old post, but I would like to ask what indicates this pullet is charcoal? Markings indicate to me this bird is based on eb/brown, or what we call Silver variation. What color was the chick down?
The silver pullet is still showing eyeliner, which tells me she might be based...
Mine look a lot like this, though about 75% still pop red on the breast eventually. I'm not sure if this one is clean, because I can see the rust along the edge in this picture. It could be hinting of the Db gene. I'm still not sure where the brown tone comes from on these. The Silver gene...
If you have a better choice of course avoid it, but personally I usually have bigger faults to eliminate than bad combs or off color eyes, earlobes or legs. Not my first choice for the show ring of course, but in truth, my highest priority in selection is improved production. I try to do both...
I think Candy has a very diverse flock! SHe has some amazing possibilities. Personally I would predict the silver base chicks with the blue haze to turn out awesome.
Here are some chicks I hatched from a eggs obtained from Mieke and Madi Hoock. This is an example of why this can be so confusing. These chestnut chicks, are eb/eb with heavy melanizers. They can look pretty similar to what you get with ER without Ml.
Well, I certain have the birds to test this out. I have a Charcoal rooster I can put over birchen and charcoal hens. Want me to set up a pen? The type probably won't be good. Would anyone else be willing to hatch some?
Connie, you are right on about the influence of modifiers. They certainly make for a challenging puzzle! I have a serious mixed up soup of genes floating around my farm but of course that makes it fun:)
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Ultimately I feel there is no singe genotype that should be isolated and developed to meet...
I haven't seen any duck eggs yet, fortunately. I have enough broody hens that keep the eggs from freezing in the coop. That's the bright side of that problem I guess.
I've lost a few fabulous flock sires lately, like Rex and Bentley, it's hard. But it is nice to see them stamped on their offspring. Even a few generations down the line, I can still see their influence and an occasional spitting image