Splash Barnevelder Cockerel with very dark comb

[AmazingRachel]

This is Shorty, an 8 month old Splash Barnevelder ~5 pound cockerel. He was the last to hatch of the brood and he had a bit of an open navel but no infection. Since hatching, though, he has always been about half the size as the others (of the same age) up until 6 months but he still seems kind of stunted compared to his blue-laced brother.
Another thing is his very dark red comb. At first, I thought it was a sign of a heart problem (poor circulation) but the vet gave him a clean bill of health from a physical exam, blood test, and fecal test. She said that he had the darkest comb that she had ever seen and that he was lean but not underweight.

Questions:
-Has anyone seen this dark red comb in other Splash Barnevelders?
-Should I breed him with my standard gold laced Barnevelder (to get guaranteed blue laced offspring)?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That is odd. I would almost certainly think it was a heart problem, but??? I have a splash hen her comb is a normal comb color. How does he act? My hen I would consider undersized too compared to my double laced barnevelder.

 

[AmazingRachel]

That is odd. I would almost certainly think it was a heart problem, but??? I have a splash hen her comb is a normal comb color. How does he act? My hen I would consider undersized too compared to my double laced barnevelder.

He is a bit skittish and nervous. I don't blame him because sometimes my hens go after him/intimidate him (especially my dominant hen). He does mate with some of them though.
Yeah, the vet ruled out Polycythemia (too many red blood cells) and kind of ruled out any serious heart issues through the blood test and a physical exam. But she did say that a heart issue was not completely ruled out, a final confirmation would require an electrocardiograph (EKG) which is $400.
But my other question is: Should I breed him with my standard gold laced Barnevelder (to get guaranteed blue laced offspring)?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I personally might, but??? Could be a genetic thing or something in his personal development. I guess if you use him and see it in the offspring you would know. If he's unrelated to the hens it could be okay, but I'm not a breeder. It can depend what you are doing with the offspring, keeping or selling. You may need to keep some and raise them and see before you sell them. I'm not much help.

 

[AmazingRachel]

I personally might, but??? Could be a genetic thing or something in his personal development. I guess if you use him and see it in the offspring you would know. If he's unrelated to the hens it could be okay, but I'm not a breeder. It can depend what you are doing with the offspring, keeping or selling. You may need to keep some and raise them and see before you sell them. I'm not much help.

Ok, thanks.