THe Buff Factor... Where does it fit in???

[lockedhearts]

I am focusing for hatching on Orpingtons and Cochins, plus my Phoenix.
I understand the Blue/Black /Splash factor as far as colors of chicks. Where does Buff fit in and any suggestions on what colors I should and should not breed to or with Buffs.
I do have a Buff Cockerel (Hercules) and 4 for sure Buff Pullets/Hens. Also have 3 Blue pullets and hoping to get a Splash Rooster.
I was also thinking of getting Buff and Gold Laced Cochin Hens, I have a Black Rooster and Splash Cockerel.

 

[Blisschick]

Tad gave some info on buff here. It seems it's kind of obscure how it works, but buff is modified red.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=73980

 

[tadkerson]

The buff color is produced by 5 or 6 genes so it is best to only cross buff to buff. Chicken color is not caused by only one gene. To determine the color of a chicken, a person has to take into account the different kinds of genes found in the bird.

The best thing to do is to breed like with like. You will not get standard colors if you breed a gold laced with a buff. If you bred the black to another variety, you will not always get a pure black bird.

Tim

 

[wclawrence]

There are several different GENOTYPES that can make the PHENOTYPE we call buff.
I agree that you should breed like colors, but even that does not always work with buff. "Buff" is a very complex color, but at least we have this:
It is always made on a wheaten (eWh) bird.
So whatever you do, if you want buff, don't go crossing to something extended black or birchen or duckwing or partridge.
Some of the "modifiers" present to make a bird buff are dominant, some are recessive, others are co-dominant.

Always start with at least one GOOD buff bird. Then you have a chance. Some (or most) of the offspring from a buff wheaten based bird and a non-buff wheaten based bird, will come with several of the modifiers required to make a bird buff. Others will only have a few. Pick the best and breed back to buff or breed back to siblings that are the best.

Danne Honour has a few books he has written that really explain Buff in depth, in several different breeds.

Get a hold of that book if you want to learn a lot about buff.

Best of luck, we all know it is more about having fun than breeding perfect birds!