Breeding for heavy blooms

[Hiyahimalyssa]

I’ve had chickens for 2 years now and I love colored eggs! I bought my first incubator and have 6 in it right now. I really want to breed chickens who lay heavy blooms. I know I need dark brown layers. Does anyone have the genetic algorithm to breed heavy blooms? I know I can buy hatching eggs but I really want to do it myself lol. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[triciayoung]

Try this calculator: http://kippenjungle.nl/chickencalculator.html

 

[NatJ]

Try this calculator: http://kippenjungle.nl/chickencalculator.html

That calculator only has feather color genes, nothing about bloom on eggs.

I’ve had chickens for 2 years now and I love colored eggs! I bought my first incubator and have 6 in it right now. I really want to breed chickens who lay heavy blooms. I know I need dark brown layers. Does anyone have the genetic algorithm to breed heavy blooms? I know I can buy hatching eggs but I really want to do it myself lol. Any advice is appreciated!

I don't personally know, but you might try posting in this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/the-ask-anything-to-nicalandia-thread.1509343/
It was started by a person who knows a lot of genetics, and also gets regular replies from several other people that know about genetics.

Just to be clear, I understand the bloom to be the coating on the outside of the egg that is wet when the egg is laid and then dries, that can look clear or white or hazy, and can be washed off. It is not the part that makes the egg brown or dark brown. Is that how you are using the terms? (I do know the very basics for the genetics of the brown part.)

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Welcome to BYC, I'm Alyssa too!

FWIW information wise, I have an equally hard time seeing through blue (Ameraucana) eggs as I did the dark Marans eggs and consider them thick coated (not sure it's the bloom).

This was an interesting article that might also help give you some clues for your adventure.

https://scratchcradle.wordpress.com/2012/07/01/gms1-genetics-of-egg-color/

This one had some interesting information.. like the blue being added earlier in the process.. which also makes me wonder if rate of lay effects bloom thickness..

https://agupdate.com/agriview/news/...cle_067feea5-2661-57d7-8ccb-af02876d73f5.html

This one is included only because it mentions that the bloom does effect the color and has some other interesting notes..

https://poultrykeeper.com/keeping-chickens/chicken-eggshell-colours/

More interesting stuff that mentions how the bloom controls gas exchange within the egg itself..

https://www.paradisepoultryhi.com/blog/2019/3/11/eggs-101

I rarely ever agree with everything written in any specific link though I do try to weed out the really bad ones. Please always use your best judgement as to accuracy.

Technical write up with some experiments, etc..

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5803769/

This link indicates that up to 20% of the pigment can be deposited in the bloom, also that too thick of bloom could be detrimental (which I could see for hatching eggs especially)..

https://www.cacklehatchery.com/4-functions-of-a-chicken-eggs-bloom/

My personal advice.. if you want something specific,, buy the highest quality hatching eggs and start from there (learn how to maintain it, and use the seller as your mentor, most should be happy to share their passion).. as it can take several years and generations to reach your goal.. The money spent will be years saved.. over starting from average hatchery birds.

One seller I saw said only 50% will end up with the heavy bloom. Worthwhile projects are often lengthy and drawn out.. but there's adventure to be had, Best wishes!

 

[Firsttimehens1234]

I’ve had chickens for 2 years now and I love colored eggs! I bought my first incubator and have 6 in it right now. I really want to breed chickens who lay heavy blooms. I know I need dark brown layers. Does anyone have the genetic algorithm to breed heavy blooms? I know I can buy hatching eggs but I really want to do it myself lol. Any advice is appreciated!

Hi, you should really check out bergs_fairytail_garden on insta, he is specialized in heavye bloom eggs and also sell them