Questions about breeding my chicks ~ the lavender gene

[Chicks_N_Horses]

This is of course when they are of breeding age but just want to be as educated as possible before that time comes......Warning: I know nothing about this stuff....

So far I have 2 lavs and a black or split black chick that have hatched in my bator. I should have 3 more to hatch soon.

Is it OK to inbreed my chicks to get more lavender chicks?
Why or why not to do this?

Would I need to get some lavender stock from another person to breed to?

What other orpingtons would I be able to use, if any, to create more lavenders.

 

[pixie74943]

Well I know nothing about breeding, except boy meets girl

But more importantly than that, Inbreeding is a naughty word.

You might get away with it for a generation, but nothing past that

 

[LilPeeps]

Yes, you can interbreed them for several generations without any ill effects. Breeding lav x split will produce 50% lav, 50% split. Split x split = 25% lav, 50% split, 25% black. The splits would be indistinguishable from the blacks as self blue is recessive, therefore it's best to breed lav x split or lav x lav. You don't need to get another line of self blues to decrease inbreeding, all you need is more blacks. Bring in another line of black orps and breed them to the lavs, this will produce 100% split lavs which can be bred back to the lavs. Self blue can't just be created by mixing different varieties, the gene needs to be introduced.

 

[Krys109uk]

If you've got lavender project birds, & want to work towards good orpington type, the most direct way to go would be to obtain some top quality black orps from an exhibition breeder with which to breed the lavender project birds. Personally I'd cull the non lavender birds from the hatch.

Breed the lavender project birds with the decent black orps. The offspring will be all black. Chose the offspring from this mating with the nicest type (closest to Orp type) & breed together. This will give approx 25% lavender offspring but it will improve the type faster, & head towards Orp type faster than breeding back to the lavender project parents.

As you would be introducing new blood by crossing to decent black Orps you would not need to look elsewhere for lavenders.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Thanks~ I think I understand that...a little LOL

I have a lot to learn, I know that.

I want to try and stay true to what the breeders now are trying to acheive....a good colored bird with the Orp. standards.

I am going to do a lot of research and reading so I will be sure I am doing it right. I saw that hinkjc got a new batch of black orps. I assume she is using those for her lav. project. Maybe I should get some black orps like she got.

NOoooo, I can't cull any of these babies. I may cull for breeding but my DH was super thoughtful enough to get me these eggs I hatched and even if they aren't breedable we are going to keep 'em and love 'em to death!! LOL

I will end up asking you all a zillion questions before breeding time I am sure...be prepared

 

[Krys109uk]

Julie (Bama Chickens) has some of the nicest black Orps I've seen in this country. Type will improve in a hurry using nice Orps like that.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

Yes, I remember in hinkjcs thread about her black orps that they are that members grand chicks...If I remember correctly....I'm trying to go by things she does because she has such a good rep on here for these lav. orps and seems to know just what she is doing.

That is who I have in mind. Thanks though!!

I am going to try and obtain some in this coming month. I can't wait LOL That means I get more chickies

 

[HenHaven]

If you do a search on "lavendar gene" you will find some very good information! Good luck with your project!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

NOoooo, I can't cull any of these babies. I may cull for breeding but my DH was super thoughtful enough to get me these eggs I hatched and even if they aren't breedable we are going to keep 'em and love 'em to death!! LOL

Cull merely means removing from the breeding pool--add the hes to your layer flock & put the roos on bug patrol. Or sell them to your feed store, or give them to a neighbor... Cull does not mean kill, although that is a method some use​

 

[Krys109uk]

Yes, I remember in hinkjcs thread about her black orps that they are that members grand chicks...If I remember correctly....I'm trying to go by things she does because she has such a good rep on here for these lav. orps and seems to know just what she is doing.

I don't think Julie has any lavenders. But she has lovely blacks & blues.​