What breeds of chickens should I get?

[Kev]

Not understanding the genetics, how does a silver rooster over a red hen equal white feathers? I'm so confused!

Think of silver as a gene that says "Nope" or blocks the gold series pigments. Resulting in a black and white bird.

For example the difference between say, Light and Buff brahmas is the Lights have the silver gene.. which said "nope" to the gold pigments, leaving them black and white like that.

Buff brahmas have the buff body color because they don't have the silver gene saying "nope!" to the buff pigment.

 

[justplainbatty]

Think of silver as a gene that says "Nope" or blocks the gold series pigments. Resulting in a black and white bird.

For example the difference between say, Light and Buff brahmas is the Lights have the silver gene.. which said "nope" to the gold pigments, leaving them black and white like that.

Buff brahmas have the buff body color because they don't have the silver gene saying "nope!" to the buff pigment.

TY! Trying to get the hang of it! Admittedly I've never seen in person any kind of Brahma but I do have BO's.

 

[Michael OShay]

That article did lead me to go take a closer look at my birds. The Amber Links do indeed have an amber look to their feathers and the roo has some reddish saddle featheres and one barred black and whitish hackle feather. I also noticed that my RIR's have faint lacing,subtle mixes of mahogany and brown and some black tail feathers. I now understand a little better the reason for the almost white beaks, legs and feet( with the pink hue being blood I imagine) of my Buffs. I also noticed the black pushed through the ends of their tail feathers. I'm going to keep trying to match up what I see with the article and see if I can get the hang of it. It's pretty interesting! Thanks for making me feel better about my lack of education in biology!

You're welcome.