Lemon Cuckoo English Orpington

[Messiejessie1]

I recently bought these Lemon Cuckoo Orpingtons. I am not very familiar with this breed of Orpington, but have been trying to read up on the genetics of breeding the cuckoo trait. One article I read suggested breeding back to a black Orpington every 4th generation to keep the Cuckoo pattern more predominant. Is this standard practice? I am new to this particular breed so really just trying to learn anything I can. Generally, I would research more prior to purchasing, but it was too good of a deal to hesitate on. I would love any tips, suggestions, or information on my birds pictured regarding quality. Thank you!

 

[Debbie292d]

I know most of the color genetics for orpingtons are the same as for silkies. Given that, I have a lemon cuckoo silkie, and the exhibition breeder told me to breed him to my buff hens. She never mentioned anything beyond that. I guess I should ask her.

 

[Amer]

No, breeding back to a black would ruin the buff color.

 

[Amer]

I know most of the color genetics for orpingtons are the same as for silkies. Given that, I have a lemon cuckoo silkie, and the exhibition breeder told me to breed him to my buff hens. She never mentioned anything beyond that. I guess I should ask her.

Buff would work to breed "lemon" (buff) cuckoo to. It wouldn't necessarily improve the cuckoo pattern though.

 

[Debbie292d]

Buff would work to breed "lemon" (buff) cuckoo to. It wouldn't necessarily improve the cuckoo pattern though.

Four buff hens, two are normal, one's a buff cuckoo and the other a buff cuckoo frizzle, so assuming the latter two will give double gene chicks.

 

[Slothinc]

Four buff hens, two are normal, one's a buff cuckoo and the other a buff cuckoo frizzle, so assuming the latter two will give double gene chicks.

@Debbie292d is there a difference between your lemon cuckoo and buff cuckoos?

 

[Slothinc]

I have a couple of eggs in the incubator that are likely a cross of lemon cuckoo (silkie) bred to a lavender roo (which is a diluted black) I expect all chicks to hatch out black, and be sex linked since the mother is the cuckoo. I am guessing they will mature as blacks with gold leakage, but I don’t know. I just put them in the incubator to test out the combination.

The lemon cuckoo orpingtons are lovely!