Maroon instead of green sheen

[Katy]

One of my young Orp pullets (black) has a maroonish sheen instead of the green sheen. I think I read here that is something you don't want. She has pretty good body type, but I won't use her in the breeding pen if that's not a good idea. I tried to get a picture of her, but it just didn't show up in the pictures.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

That is correct. The purple or maroon sheen is not as desirable in black birds and is considered not as strong of a black color.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

doesn't it also have something to do with brown being the "under color"? I thought I had read that somewhere...

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I think that's right, Chris. The judge this past weekend at the show was explaining why the green is desirable and did mention "brown". It was a bit difficult to hear her.

 

[hinkjc]

I've heard that's pretty common from a blue/black breeding. So would it be ok to use for blue X black breeding program or is it best to cull? I know for good black lines, you want the best green sheens, but I'm curious if it matters as much for blue breeding.

Jody

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

I thought so. A maroon sheen is indicative of a brown undercolor, which can sometimes bleed through and make the black look dull. It usually also means that there are more off color feathers in the bird if I am not mistaken, or at least the probability of off color feathers.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I've heard the same thing Katy, it's not a good trait. I'm unsure if you can use her in the BBS pen if she is a pure black, someone else will have to answer that.

 

[Katy]

Thanks all....I'll probably just put her in with the laying hens. I really hadn't noticed it on her until the last couple of weeks. It's kind of pretty, but I was thinking I read it wasn't what was wanted.

 

[Poulets De Cajun]

I wouldn't be so quick to discount her though. Breed her and hatch a clutch or two and see what she produces..... She may surprise you.

Its kinda like gold in the hackles of a black bird. Not a good thing, but they dont always pass it along. When paired with another bird, they may not inherit the off color. Its definitely trial and error.

If she has good type, I'd at least try and see what she is capable of producing before I'd retire her to the laying crowd....

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I'd see what she throws too if she is a good typey hen.....