Split Chest in English Orpingtons

[Chickerella2012]

Hello,

I'd like to ask if Split breast is a fault, if it's genetic, and if birds that have it, need to be culled from the breeding program.
I've looked everywhere and cannot find the SOP on English orpingtons.
Links are appreciated!
Thanks

 

[Kiki]

Would this be for showing purposes?

 

[Chickerella2012]

Not for showing purposes. For breeding
I don't know if that makes a difference?

 

[Amer]

There is no American Standard for “English” Orpingtons because the SOP has its own Standard for Orpingtons. If you wish to breed to the British Standard, I would find that instead. I have never heard that a split breast is a fault in any breed, but I’ll go check the Standard anyways, because now I’m wondering that too.

 

[Amer]

Here is the British Standard. http://www.theorpingtonclub.org.uk/pages/breed-standards.php
In case you were wondering, many British breeders produce an exaggerated type of Orpington, the “English” Orpington with a Cochin fluffiness and fluff that nearly drags the ground. The British Standard may have a less tight feathering and shorter shanks than the American Standard, but I do not believe some of the birds you often see called “English” properly represent the British Standard.

 

[Chickerella2012]

I was just wondering about the split breast. I've read that it is a fault and shouldn't be bred. Thanks for the link!

 

[Chickerella2012]

There is no American Standard for “English” Orpingtons because the SOP has its own Standard for Orpingtons. If you wish to breed to the British Standard, I would find that instead. I have never heard that a split breast is a fault in any breed, but I’ll go check the Standard anyways, because now I’m wondering that too.

In Pekins it seems to be. I have bantam cochins too, so I read up on that as well. lol

 

[Amer]

A split-breast is not mentioned in the American Standard, therefore, not a defect, but I don’t know about the British Standard. I guess if you don’t like how it looks, don’t breed from it, but it really doesn’t matter.

 

[Chickerella2012]

I've read up on the UK standard, it says breast must be well rounded and not flat. That's about it. Thanks!