Color in Hackles of Black, /Blue/Splash Silkies

[jimnjay]

I am not sure if other breeds have occasions where there is gold in the hackles, but I was wondering if the female offspring from a roo with gold in the hackles will pass that trait to her offspring. I understand it is a male trait but was not sure if the females could pass it along.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Assuming that you are not talking about birchen based birds, females who display the trait can pass it on; however those that don't are unlikely to.

My understanding is that it is the male hormones plus a lack of melanizers that cause the gold or silver to show in the hackles.

 

[jimnjay]

Thanks Sonora, I had read about the lack of Melinizers as well but I don't believe I have ever seen anyone address the female's likelyhood of passing along the hackle color. That is good news. I have a few girls from my original flock and two generations ago I had a roo with gold in the hackles. I was pretty green then and used him in my Sizzle pen. Now I am hoping the girls don't pass that gene along.