Quote:
Yes. Assuming the parents had correct combs, they were both het. (one copy, not two) for both rose and pea comb genes, and the "lucky" single combed chicks inherited both not-peacomb and not-rosecomb from each parent.
Ok, so they have to inherit that gene from both parents? I'm still confused.... Should I not put these chicks in my breeding group? I am just setting up my initial flock and still trying to figure out all this genetics stuff. I've read a lot about color, toes, black skin ect...... But never thought about a silkie with a single comb! That is not something that I want popping up in my chicks. What are your thoughts? Would you add them to your breeder flock? (btw, the are beautiful bbs babies)
Yes, almost all genes are inherited from both parents. The few that are inherited from only one parent are sex-linked genes. THe common ones are barring, choc and silver/gold. For these genes, males inherit from both parents, females only from their father.
As to whether or not to use them in breeding, there is no clear-cut answer. Single comb is recessive to pea and rose (I could get technical and confues everyone, including myself and say it is epistatic, but I will try to keep it simple). If bred to a correctly combed bird, a good percentage of the offspring should have the correct combs. Even after you have corrected the issue in your breeders, you will still have the occasional single combed bird hatch out.
Combs and toes are relatively easy to deal with. Lack of type is much harder to correct. Wry tail is another nightmare you do not want to deal with. All that said, you pick the best you have, or acquire better if it is available. Some people have easy access to better quality birds--either because they can afford them or happen to live near breeders with good quality birds are, or they have a large enough flock that they can be picky. And others have limited funds or availability to other breeders, and must make the best with what they can acquire.
silkies :
