Ok everyone seems to agree the pattern gene is needed to produce true lacing . I have considered dropping blue due to these debates on blue . Too much controversy . I will list some questions and some of my doubts . I look at blue laced red Wyandotte and wonder why they are blue laced and not black laced red . They have the coveted pattern gene and blue . So what's up ? To me that proves the pattern gene is not the answer . With so many laced varieties in Wyandotte why are their blues not known for excellent lacing . Everyone agrees blue Andalusian have the best lacing so it must be the pattern gene . I ask myself where is the proof in test breeding or DNA ? I have not seen the proof if it exists . I suspect other black enhancing genes are creating this effect . Mike Gilbert used a well laced blue Sumatra to put the lacing into his blue bantams . He told me he suspected they had the pattern gene . I believe the blue Andalusian and blue Sumatra crosses will get the lacing established . I doubt the pattern gene will produce the desired results . I tinkered some with Wyandotte crosses and saw no improvement in lacing . I still say fussing over silver and gold and E or ER based plus pattern gene is going to hurt the blue popularity in the long term . I truly hope I am wrong .
