B.Y.C. Dorking Club!

[ki4got]

Karen-Are you calling this a "Red" female? Terminology is still a weakness for me as well.

When you refer to the term "dilute", what exactly is this referring to (phenotypically). (EX.: in rabbits the dilute of a solid black rabbit is a solid blue; I know that this is not how it works with birds, however). Like others here, I struggle with the genetics/terminology and really appreciate your patience with this topic.

to simplify, there are 3 types of genes in poultry. they affect either pattern, red pigments (pheomelanin) or black pigments (eumelanin). within the pigment groups, there are either restrictor or enhancers (to lighten or darken).

the girl i posted, genotypically is red, with the dominant dilute gene (Di), which is a pheomelanin restrictor, limiting the expression of red pigments in the hackle/saddle area. i'm working on the dilutes, as a project to see if it will produce a self-reproducing 'colored' rooster.

IMO the SOP for the rooster and hen don't match genotypically, which is why there's so much variation within the lines. I think they are 2 distinct groups with different mutations involved.

eta... the pullet i posted is only heterozygous for dilute, so if i were to breed her to a red (that's the plan unless i get a matching roo), then she'll produce either red or dilute offspring. the reds will breed true for red, the dilutes may throw reds now and then until the line is fully established.

 

[OSUman]

There are several dilutes, including two that turns black birds blue. The dilute that it sounds like is in the Colored Dorkings is the inhibitor of gold (ig) which is what turns the red parts of a bird a more gold/ straw color.

Karen-Are you calling this a "Red" female? Terminology is still a weakness for me as well.

When you refer to the term "dilute", what exactly is this referring to (phenotypically). (EX.: in rabbits the dilute of a solid black rabbit is a solid blue; I know that this is not how it works with birds, however). Like others here, I struggle with the genetics/terminology and really appreciate your patience with this topic.

 

[ki4got]

There are several dilutes, including two that turns black birds blue. The dilute that it sounds like is in the Colored Dorkings is the inhibitor of gold (ig) which is what turns the red parts of a bird a more gold/ straw color.
Quote: there are several pheomelanin restrictors, each affecting the color in different ways/areas. ig is a recessive mutation that restricts red over the entire body, while dilute affects primarily hackles/saddle. if you look at my pullet again, you'll see she's got a nice dark red head/breast.
Cb - champagne-blonde is another dominant gene as well, but Cb birds look more like ig birds IMO.

i know this is a dominant mutation, not recessive, since i bred a dilute momma to an unrelated red roo, and got duplicates of momma... once she starts laying again (broody) i'll be setting her back up with another red roo (thing2) and hatching everything i can get.

 

[OSUman]

I forgot I had this pic, I got this out of my book "The Poultry Book" published in 1905. Its a trio of Red dorkings

 

[ashandvine]

Thank you Yellow House for the honesty. I do respect this. I don't know why everyone is jumping an assumption that I am going to out cross anyone to anyone. I started with several breeds because I wanted to try them out and I fell into some luck being able to get a few for pennies. I like birds in general but how things would pan out over time was something I could not/can not predict. I have no idea how to market myself or the birds. I know I am capable and passionate about education, so multiple breeds at this time isn't bad. I love my Orloffs and want to provide anyone who buys from me with a quality product, whether that be birds or eggs. I do plan to pay attention to SOP no matter what I end up with because I want quality above and beyond what others purchase from me. I want a reputable name. I believe in honesty-- hey! that's where this post started I admire what you are doing Yellow House. I don't know if I am a crazy chicken lady, preservationist burgeoning or serious chicken breeder. In my additional defense, I also have only singles of a few breeds here. The ones I am considering working with:
Marans
Ameraucanas
Favorelles
PBR
Dorkings

 

[pysankigirl]

I think yellow house was talking to me about not outcrossing because I was musing about where to get the ig inhibitor, not addressing you.

 

[ashandvine]

Its hard for me to know Pysansky. Given the attitude in other threads it was possible. If not... not worries.

All this diluter conversation is interesting but I find myself inept. I can just watch quietly though lol

 

[SandiDent]

I'ma joinin, weez gettin our chicks the first week of April ... so excited. Can't wait.
We are getting them from Murray McMurray so we have a lot of work to do between now and then!! Must build coop!

Already designed (the coop that is...I say the coop) we has the frost free water and electric in now. Making a sign. To hang "This here's a Dorkin Coop" making a fishing rod with a "corn dog as bate. Plan to hang that over the Rooster den. Will post photos as we go...

 

[ki4got]

the pullet i posted earlier is simply a project... i'm fascinated by genetics and always wanting to know what pieces go where for anything i've got. right now all i can say is what i think i have, and what i think they'll produce. and i'll be up front, it's not likely to be SOP, at least in the hens, by any stretch of the imaginiation. but i like them, so that project will continue on.

i do raise, and plan to continue, silver grey and red that's as close to SOP as i can get them. they're not there yet, but a work in progress. it'll be years before i consider any of them near 'perfect'. if ever.

 

[Yellow House Farm]

I think yellow house was talking to me about not outcrossing because I was musing about where to get the ig inhibitor, not addressing you.

Greetings! I was, and in both of the comments, I was trying to be gentle, and I sense the same in your responses...these things would work so much better over a cup of tea!

Ashandvine, I certainly wouldn't want to make you feel bad for having , multiple breeds and multiple interests, and we're all working out "who we are" in this chicken adventure. I just try to mention a little something when it appears that someone is hoping for one result, but moving in the other direction. The sample stage is a fun stage. If one moves toward breed mastery, the game shifts; otherwise goals remain too sublime.

Regardless, it's all good.