Black or very dark blue?

[Mos]

I don't really know how genetics work, but I find it very interesting. These 3-month-olds are from blue parents, so they could be either black or blue. I've always thought they were black and their sisters blue, but looking at some pictures of them where they looked suspiciously bright colored in some places (but still not nearly as bright as their sisters!) I started to wonder how it works. As I've understood it, all blue chickens are black but with an additional blue gene, which fades the black color, is that correct? I suppose it differs how much the black is faded too? So could a chicken be practically black but still carry the blue gene, just that it in that case didn't really fade their color?
Or will it always be visible if they carry the blue gene? So all chickens are classified either as 'black' when they don't have the blue gene, or 'blue' when they do have the blue gene, even if they might not look blue? (If it's even possible for them to disguise the blue gene that much..!)
When I google pictures of various black chicken breeds they all seem to have a deeper black color than mine do, and it really confuses me about where the lines are drawn between the different colors.. how much can the black gene in chickens vary in the scale from pitch black to almost grey-ish without the influence of other genes?
Is the iridescent green coloring in some of their feathers a sign that their color is indeed black without the presence of any blue gene?
So many questions, I'm sorry.. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Their two blue sisters to the left for comparison..

 

[FortCluck]

They look black and blue. They're very pretty though whatever color they are! Hoping someone can answer your questions, I'm not good with color genetics and how they work.

 

[Duck_life]

Splash maybe? Not good with genetics. @Cyprus

 

[Ted_Harrell]

Can't help you there, what type of birds are they? In the last picture the sisters definitely look lighter and more blue like an Andalusian color...

 

[Duck_life]

What breed are they anyways? The legs look like the color of my orpingtons! Very pretty, good luck.

 

[Cyprus]

Black

 

[Mos]

Thank you! They are Liege Fighters, and yes I agree.. very pretty!

And I'm curious @Cyprus , are the iridescent feathers a sign that they are in fact black? Is it possible for it to occur in chickens with the blue gene? Or any other color for that matter

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Splash maybe? Not good with genetics. @Cyprus

Splash is usually much whiter and with splashes of color, example...

Sometimes the top of blue birds is a lot darker and appears black, but their pajama pants are usually still distinctly lighter. I agree these boys look black (with some red leakage). Pretty how the blue female flock mates have the darker lacing.

 

[Duck_life]

Splash is usually much whiter and with splashes of color, example...
View attachment 1936308
Sometimes the top of blue birds is a lot darker and appears black, but their pajama pants are usually still distinctly lighter. I agree these boys look black (with some red leakage). Pretty how the blue female flock mates have the darker lacing.

Thanks for the info

 

[Cyprus]

Thank you! They are Liege Fighters, and yes I agree.. very pretty!

And I'm curious @Cyprus , are the iridescent feathers a sign that they are in fact black? Is it possible for it to occur in chickens with the blue gene? Or any other color for that matter

Yes for the sheen in black, no for the sheen in blue

I recognized those birds for their breed I enjoy that breed.