How to read a triple breed cross

[fatcatx]

Hello all you happy breeders! In doing breed and hybrid research I've come across many instances of crosses and I'm not sure how to read them.

For example, if I see a RIR x Maran x Plymouth Rock cross does that mean a Maran was crossed with a PR and the offspring was crossed to the RIR? Was the RIR first crossed to the Maran and the offspring to the PR? Or can it be either?

Back in my biology student days we put the initial cross in parenthesis but I haven't seen that done on any sites referencing chicken crosses. Any reason why?

 

[Henk69]

They are sloppy.

 

[fatcatx]

LOL!
Maybe so, but no matter where I look, none of them have the ( ). Not on the BYC forums, not on other website - not even on the hatchery sites. I have since seen several quad crosses too. breed x breed x breed x breed. I'm guessing there is some general rule that must apply when reading these to better understand the pedigree. At least I hope!

Please - someone educate me!

 

[Henk69]

They don't use () and they don't explain their abbreviations. RIR is acceptable b.t.w.
Trust me, they are sloppy.
The only rule I know is that the male should be first in a cross: male * female

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

LOL!
Maybe so, but no matter where I look, none of them have the ( ). Not on the BYC forums, not on other website - not even on the hatchery sites. I have since seen several quad crosses too. breed x breed x breed x breed. I'm guessing there is some general rule that must apply when reading these to better understand the pedigree. At least I hope!

Please - someone educate me!

I would guess that in many cases they are simply stating the breeds that are in (or even might be in) the birds, not specific, planned crossings. Especially when you are talking about multiple sources, I very seriously doubt that there is any rule that is generally recognized and used. Experienced breeders who are working on a planned project may use some conventions in detailing their work.

 

[fatcatx]

I am really surprised at this. I would have assumed most chicken buyers/breeders - even the hobby farmer - would always want to know the lineage of their stock, especially to track traits on the sex genes and through generations. Maybe I am more gene-obsessed than the average bird (UK pun intended!). I find researching hybrid backgrounds to be great fun and fascinating, but the flippant way of displaying these crosses makes it difficult. *sigh* If anyone else has anymore info on how to read or display crosses, I am all ears

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I am really surprised at this. I would have assumed most chicken buyers/breeders - even the hobby farmer - would always want to know the lineage of their stock, especially to track traits on the sex genes and through generations. Maybe I am more gene-obsessed than the average bird (UK pun intended!). I find researching hybrid backgrounds to be great fun and fascinating, but the flippant way of displaying these crosses makes it difficult. *sigh* If anyone else has anymore info on how to read or display crosses, I am all ears

Those who are more likely to keep detailed records are more likely serious breeders, and many of them avoid crossbreeding.