Total genetics noob here

[BTinks]

I've done a lot of reading tonight about genetics with regards to chicken colors, but I can't seem to find anything dealing with red or buff. For example, if I cross a black Cochin rooster with a red Cochin hen or a buff Cochin hen, what color chicks will that most likely provide? I just couldn't find any info on adding in reds and buffs.

 

[tadkerson]

In chickens the color red is caused by 3 to 4 genes and the color buff is due to 4-5 genes- so it is not simple. Black is usually due to 2-3 genes with genes for red or white color hidden under the black.

Black x red = basicly a black chicken with some non-black color coming through the black. Non-black = buff or red or white

Black x buff= posterior part of bird will be black with front portion of the bird non-black color. A gradiant of color with clean non-black in the hackles and head to black tail feathers. Non-black = buff or white

Tim

 

[BTinks]

Ok that makes sense. I have one other question on this. I'm getting a trio of Cochins: black rooster, a buff hen, and a red hen. The farm I'm getting them from said she had gotten these chick colors: black , blacks with a buff color around the neck, dark grey, and some that look like they will be blue.
Do these colors mean that the rooster has some blue in his genes?

 

[Henk69]

No but the red or buff hens may hide it.