Egg-laying genetics

[Wynette]

I wasn't sure where to post this question, so please move, mods, if it doens't belong here.

I'm wondering about chicken genetics, as far as egglaying goes. Specifically, I have an EE that lays very pretty green eggs of XL size, consistently. What are my chances of her female offspring also laying XL sized eggs consistently? How much does the roo bring to the egglaying characteristics of his get?

Also, this is probably along the same line. If I have a hen that is an excellent winter layer, would her female offspring also be excellent winter layers, most likely?

Thanks!

 

[speckledhen]

I read that it isn't necessarily directly passed from mother to daughter but a trait passed down in the family group; even if the mother wasn't the best layer, but came from a family of great layers, her daughter has a pretty good chance of being a better layer than the mother. Not sure how that holds since I dont have that many generations here laying.


EDITED TO ADD: That information came from Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, I believe.

 

[DrakeMaiden]

I heard it isn't reliably passed on. Wish I'd known that before I let my fowl-tempered "brick house" (duck) set. We were just in it for the eggs!

 

[Cuban Longtails]

I've always heard that egg-laying abilities (and color) come mostly from the rooster, but I think the hen contributes too.

 

[Wynette]

Well, sounds like it's pretty much a poop-shoot then!

Thanks, folks!

 

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, it's pretty much a gamble there. You can however breed "lines" and "families" of birds with a higher or bigger than "average" egg, but there will still be variation among the birds in the group. Plus, full size often doesn't get reached till a full year or two of laying.