SLW x cuckoo marans...sex link?

[DarJones]

Laced feathers are from 3 genes (Columbian, Melanotic, and Pattern) working together. Melanotic and Pattern tend to be inherited together i.e. are on the same chromosome. Columbian is separately inherited. The rough and ready translation of this is that 1 in 4 F2 chicks will show decent lacing when an outcross is made. There are several modifier genes that can affect the result. Partridge in particular tends to add a salt and pepper effect to an otherwise laced bird. This should be emphasized since each cross between a laced and non-laced breed compromises those other traits. It is fairly easy to get back the patterned look. Getting rid of all the other genes that mess up lacing may take several years of work. It all depends on what you start with.