Color/Gene question for my Rooster please (image inside)

[thistlewick]

I put this up for Gemini (Google's AI) to try and help but, ya know, I can't be trusting AI...

Gemini said he was Splash.

I came back and was like "but he isn't blue.."

And Gemini said:

While the classic understanding of Splash involves the blue dilution gene acting on black pigment to create white with gray or blue splashes, other color genes present in the chicken can certainly influence the color of the "splashes" in a Splash bird.

In your rooster's case, it's likely he carries genes for brown or red pigment in addition to the genes for black pigment and the double dose of the blue dilution gene that creates the Splash pattern.

Here's a breakdown of why you're seeing brown in a Splash bird:

• Base Color Genes: Chickens have genes that determine their base pigment colors, primarily black and red (which can manifest as various shades of brown, red, and yellow).
• Blue Dilution Gene: The blue dilution gene (often represented as Bl) dilutes black pigment to blue. Two copies of this gene (Bl/Bl) create the Splash effect.
• Interaction of Genes: If a chicken has genes for both black and red pigment, and then inherits two copies of the blue dilution gene, the black pigment will be diluted to a very light gray or white, resulting in the typical Splash appearance in those areas. However, the red pigment is also affected by the blue dilution gene, but it doesn't turn "blue." Instead, it tends to be lightened or muted.

In your rooster's case, the brown splashes likely indicate the presence of genes for red pigment that are being partially diluted by the two copies of the blue dilution gene. The areas that would have been black are now mostly white, while the areas that would have been brown are now a lighter shade of brown or tan, appearing as the "splashes."

When using a genetics calculator, you'll still likely input him as carrying the double dose of the blue dilution gene (the "Splash" factor). The calculator might have separate options to account for the presence of other color genes like brown (often linked to the "extended black" or "e+" alleles in the E locus).

To get the most accurate predictions, you might need to know more about the genetic background of your rooster and any potential mates. However, for the basic Splash component, you'd still identify him as carrying that double blue dilution.


Is this BS? Or did Gemini get it right?

 

[thistlewick]

I did more googling and research and answered my own question;
I also found the COOLEST calculator ever

what a fun and delightful rabbit hole!!

 

[Amer]

AI doesn't know a thing about chicken color genetics.
But he is splash with red leakage, so it got it right by accident.

 

[thistlewick]

AI doesn't know a thing about chicken color genetics.
But he is splash with red leakage, so it got it right by accident.

heh, I gave the AI the link to the calculator and it was able to read the website, read the fields for the genes, and give me examples of what chuck likely was in the E Extension of Black matter of his red coloring.

They are better than you think, it wasn't by accident!