Inbreeding Chickens

[ANightPerson]

I know that with rabbits inbreeding is generally acceptable as long as you don't breed father/daughter due the way their genes interact when crossed. I've been experimenting a little with chicken crosses, and while I was reading up on their genetics, it just popped into my head. I was wondering if chickens have any sort of inbreeding malfunction like that? I've heard people say they haven't had problems, and that (for example,) they have quality show chickens that we're 5+ generations inbred and perfectly fine, but I wanted to double check before I try anything.

 

[ANightPerson]

P.S. If anyone have any advice/knowledge on crossbreeding Ayam Cemanis it would be greatly appreciated. The extent of my knowledge is that fibromelanism is dominant to all other coats as well as knowing a fair amount about the fibromelanism itself.

 

[Amer]

Before anyone jumps in, I want to say that among the breeders for show inbreeding is highly acceptable, and they have very healthy birds. In one flock you can line breed for decades.
Fibromelanism is dominant, yes.

 

[3riverschick]

Poultry have a very wide genetic base. And a lot of sex linked genes. Just don't breed bro t sis uless it is part of a previously established linebreeding program. It is generally accepted to be too close. All other breeding relationships have a good place in breeding programs. Older cock to pullet and younger cockerel to older hen are good breedings.

 

[Gray Farms]

Inbreeding in chickens helps to strengthen desirable traits in further generations. It can be done for many generation with no ill effects.

 

[ANightPerson]

Inbreeding in chickens helps to strengthen desirable traits in further generations. It can be done for many generation with no ill effects.

Awesome, thank you all! Not to spoil anything, but I'm cooking together something special!

 

[The Moonshiner]

Inbreeding is as good or bad as the genes involved.
Inbreeding is used to lock in and carry forward desired genes.
Its a great tool if breeding in a new trait or creating something completely new.
The other side of the coin is it also locks in and carries forward any undesired genes involved also.
The key isn't a set of rules as to which and when to breed related birds but to understand the genes involved, how they work and to be able to recognise undesirable genes and breed away from them but maintain the desired ones.
Inbreeding can work for generations upon generations but it can also completely ruin a line just as fast.
When inbreeding goes bad its almost always the immunity and fertility that is effected first.
I believe that's mother natures way of controlling it in the wild.

 

[Amer]

Inbreeding is as good or bad as the genes involved.
Inbreeding is used to lock in and carry forward desired genes.
Its a great tool if breeding in a new trait or creating something completely new.
The other side of the coin is it also locks in and carries forward any undesired genes involved also.
The key isn't a set of rules as to which and when to breed related birds but to understand the genes involved, how they work and to be able to recognise undesirable genes and breed away from them but maintain the desired ones.
Inbreeding can work for generations upon generations but it can also completely ruin a line just as fast.
When inbreeding goes bad its almost always the immunity and fertility that is effected first.
I believe that's mother natures way of controlling it in the wild.

I have noticed problems with that. I'm having a great deal of trouble breeding out poor combs in Buckeyes. No problems with fertility or health though.

 

[Mosey2003]

In chickens, it is better to breed parents to young than siblings together is about the extent of my knowledge.