I've got a question about the slate bar. Unfortunately my rooster doesn't have it. Is this a dominant, or recessive trait (or neither?) For example, if I were to cross him with a hen with good slate bars, what percentage of the chicks would have it too? Is there any correlation between the slate bar and too much black? My rooster does have nice, even, deep red colouring.
Unfortunately, if your male doesn't have it, you are going to have a long row to hoe with him to get it. Since the color is influence much more by the male, to gain the slate color will be more difficult by getting it from the females. It is also my experience that with the females with heavier slate, you get surface black that is unwanted. Once again, you will be better off getting either an outcross or a new line to bring the proper color out.