I've noticed my silkies sometimes come out with improper combs, and I'm wondering if that says something about the genetics or genotype of the parents (and the odd combs themselves, of course.)
I don't currently have any pictures of actual birds as examples, so I drew a quick sketch (apologies for how messy it looks), and I was hoping someone could explain the why behind these variations in the comb type. All I know is that the walnut comb is made up of the rose comb and pea comb, and the single comb is recessive to the walnut. That's about as far as my knowledge on comb genetics goes...
How does the inheritance of those little "horns" work and how do I breed them out?
1. Pullet walnut comb (smooth) but with little horns in the end.
2. Rooster walnut comb with little "horns."
3. Like a taller row of bumps in the middle and smaller rows of bumps on either side. Looks like it would be a single comb on small chicks, but then develops those side rows with age.
I appreciate any help on this. If I come across an interesting comb in my birds, I'll add a picture later.
I don't currently have any pictures of actual birds as examples, so I drew a quick sketch (apologies for how messy it looks), and I was hoping someone could explain the why behind these variations in the comb type. All I know is that the walnut comb is made up of the rose comb and pea comb, and the single comb is recessive to the walnut. That's about as far as my knowledge on comb genetics goes...

How does the inheritance of those little "horns" work and how do I breed them out?
1. Pullet walnut comb (smooth) but with little horns in the end.
2. Rooster walnut comb with little "horns."
3. Like a taller row of bumps in the middle and smaller rows of bumps on either side. Looks like it would be a single comb on small chicks, but then develops those side rows with age.
I appreciate any help on this. If I come across an interesting comb in my birds, I'll add a picture later.