How do 5 toe genetics work?

[Abria13]

For the sake of people finding this now and the future let me clear this up!
Polydactylism is a dominant gene with variable expression, some of which is controlled by additional unrelated genes.
This means that a chick with the gene will probably have 5 toes. But can have 6 & 6 toes, 6 & 4 toes, 5 & 6 toes and especially 5 & 4 toes. The gene can even express as a single extra toenail.
Id love to also explain my theories on a polydactyl complex. But thats not proven and hard for people to follow.

Thanks. I was wondering about that and penetrance. Any ideas how often it’s a spontaneous mutation if any? Also why in the heck are we breeding for recessive traits?!! Haven’t we proven time and time again that’s not the ideal?

 

[WoDia]

I’ve never researched the genetic side of this myself, but I’ve had a number of Silkie/Sebright crosses with 5 toes on one foot and 4 on the other. I’ve also had Silkie/Sebright crosses with 4 toes per foot as well as 5 per foot. Most are fully developed toes. A few had an underdeveloped toe. Interesting, and informative, thread on “toe genetics”.