Egg color / Genetics Question

[acire67]

We just hatched out some eggs from our mixed flock. I have a Welsummer rooster over a BR, RIR, Colombian Wyandotte, Red Stars, and some EEs. Will the pullets that hatched lay dark eggs because their father is a Welsummer and carries the gene? We plan on keeping some of the hybrids and would love to have some dark egg layers. Thanks!

 

[Mrs MIA]

I think so, but I'd like to hear what people more knowledgeable in the genetics will say.

 

[Illia]

No. If the Welsummer is from hatchery stock, the offspring are quite likely to a lay a brown just a smidgen darker than usual, but in most cases it will be a normal brown. I've crossed even the darkest laying Marans to normal brown layers and get an orangey Welsummer color, so using that back to a brown again, and, pretty sure the most you get are brown or speckled brown.

Now, your Welsummer x EE will be an interesting one, they should create some offspring that will lay pale olive green eggs.

 

[Mrs MIA]

Well, darn.

 

[acire67]

Thanks for the responses. My Welsummer rooster is from a breeder not from a hatchery, would that make a difference? My EE only lays an egg once a week, but I'm planning on putting one in the incubator sometime. I just hatched out some Olive Eggers (bought the eggs from a BYC breeder); the roosters were Wheaten & White Ameraucanas and FBCM hens.

 

[Illia]

It makes a slight difference, but not much. Plus, we talking a true Welsummer breeder or someone who got hatchery Welsummers and bred them? That's the tricky part to tell