My silkies have single combs?

Single combs happens and it doesn't mean they have been crossed with something else. It happens in purebred silkies. What I was wondering appears to be answered. Wondered if the single comb trait was passed to all offspring if the other parent has a walnut comb...in silkies, that is. Some will some wont, right?

fazziobear1 said:

I was wondering the same thing. I used to have a silkie roo with a huge single comb. I don't think he was a mix...

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I have two "white silkies" that I bought locally. I figured the rooster wasn't full blooded because his single comb was very distinct and he only has a thin strip of feathers running down his leg. I had my suspicions about the hen because she was fast as lightning. She looks exactly like a white silkie but acts like a Rhode Island Red. Today I finally managed to capture her which was very difficult to do. Catching silkies isn't supposed to be hard at all. Her uncanny free range capabilities was my first clue. When I did catch her and get a good look at her, she has a single comb. I intended to purchase a white silkie hen but I'm very certain that I have a white silkie mix. I am not mad because I'm sure the seller acted in good faith. I'll still keep her. She's beautiful and very likely to survive. I just hope her broody trait passed.

Here is my theory:
I'm not a geneticist or anything but I have read that the silkie feathers are a recessive gene. This means a half blooded silkie wouldn't have silkie feathers. However if the offspring were bred with a pure bred silkie about half of the offspring would have the silkie feathers. The walnut comb might not necessarily be passed in the same manner. I read something about the genetics of the Walnut Comb but it was very elaborate and complicated. I don't think a Walnut Comb is a simple dominant/recessive condition. The silkies that I have are very likely 75% white silkie or higher. I don't think they are full blooded. That's just my theory.

Any thoughts from those who show white silkies?