Do I want to learn about genetics? Yes. Is it very intimidating and scary? Yes.

[ChickForLife]

Oh I forgot the link. This is different from your calculator... https://kippenjungle.nl/Overzicht.htm

That is the same thing but when I click it, like when I go here...

I can't tell what to do or what it is saying.

 

[Amer]

That is the same thing but when I click it, like when I go here...
View attachment 2444440
I can't tell what to do or what it is saying.

That shows you the full genotypes of the birds and you press Calculate Cross.

 

[ChickForLife]

That shows you the full genotypes of the birds and you press Calculate Cross.

What does genotype mean?

 

[ChocolateMouse]

What does genotype mean?

Genotype is what genes your animal has VS phenotype, which is what you can see.

For example, a chicken that is solid recessive white but has a dilution gene will have

recessive white/recessive white
blue/BLUE

But you can't SEE the blue/BLUE dilution because the chicken is solid white. But it's still THERE and able to be seen in the offspring if bred to a black chicken.
"White" is the phenotype (what you can see), but "recessive white with blue dilution" is a genotype.

 

[ChickForLife]

Genotype is what genes your animal has VS phenotype, which is what you can see.

For example, a chicken that is solid recessive white but has a dilution gene will have

recessive white/recessive white
blue/BLUE

But you can't SEE the blue/BLUE dilution because the chicken is solid white. But it's still THERE and able to be seen in the offspring if bred to a black chicken.
"White" is the phenotype (what you can see), but "recessive white with blue dilution" is a genotype.

That makes sense, thank you!

 

[MysteryChicken]

Out of curiosity, how do you know the second rooster is birchen? Phenotypically, he appears birchen. But, since he’s an EE(?), you can’t tell his genotype just from his outward appearance.

His offspring has the "lacing" on the breast feathers that is usually a result if you cross Birchen with another color of a different breed. I crossed him with light Brahmas.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Maybe it was stated backwards?? I agree that's an EE, unless it was accepted into the Ameraucana SOP and I'm just not aware of it.

Birchen should look *more* like this, from google..
View attachment 2444115

I can get an updated picture of the EE rooster tomorrow.

 

[cmom]

Sex- linked Information

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I can get an updated picture of the EE rooster tomorrow.

I fail to understand why AT first since you stated the heritage and it isn't pure for birchen in genotype (hidden or not seen genes) as you asked in the question and was answered already... regardless of phenotype which is what's being referred to as the faux birchen or whatever that word someone called it was.. But on second thought, I do love to see updated photos and good mysteries.. I just don't wanna run of course focused on a single bird is all.

I don't care what his phenotype (aka LOOKS) are... we are discussing genetics and possible outcomes.. simply put black cross silver colombian (Light Brahma) does not equal birchen. It equals black with silver leakage. Although genetics are complicated they are also kinda black and white. I do love to see how different chick phenotypes can still end up looking *basically* the same as each other at maturity.

Having worked with several breeds this link has TOO much good information to reference to not be included.. Sometimes when you're working with a specific breed and having trouble finding GOOD information.. I find it helpful to look at what's taking place in the same variety but other breeds perhaps that may have been more well studied or published..
http://frenchmaransclubaustralia.yolasite.com/notes-on-breeding.php

And this one too.. CHART HEAVY..
https://sites.google.com/site/belgianbantamclub/breedingbelgianbantams

A genetics mini series that looks pretty good.. I see they're also touting FF on their site which I tried long term plus tons of research and my results DON'T support the HYPE... so please ALWAYS use your own best judgement! (after reading the FF page, it wasn't overboard and was fairly balanced in suggestions)..
https://scratchcradle.wordpress.com/genetics-mini-series/

So much information my bookmarks are starting to need bookmarks!

 

[EverV]

This is getting really interesting (and way over my head... but I'm learning a lot!)! And once again, sorry we're stealing your thread @black_cat ...