What color to breed together?

[KKluckers]

I have three bantam Cochin's that are white one roo and two pullets. I really don't want to get another white rooster, but maybe a buff? Would this color cross give me chicks with acceptable color? (the reason I dont want them to breed together is they are brother and sisters.)

 

[speckledhen]

Christina, many people do breed brother to sister to concentrate desirable traits. You just don't want to do it continuously for years without eventually bringing in new blood. I'm not sure what color the buff with white would give you, though. Buff is one of those complicated colors that is hard to get right on its own. Maybe someone else can pop in and help with the color question.

 

[kstaven]

This is one of those maybe yes and maybe no situations. If both male and female carry a recessive white gene then you will get more whites. Trial and error will tell the tale unless you can find a buff breeder that knows the lineage and genetic characteristics of their birds very well and you know where yours came from.

Now if there is a mahogany trait hiding in your whites you may end up with a gold or red with a buff mateing. And the list goes on and on........

 

[KKluckers]

I was thinking of buying a buff roo. I have molted black/blues in the incubator and some silver laced cochins(bantams). But if i breed them to these would I get unacceptable colors for breed standards? Anyone?

 

[kstaven]

Buff roo wouldn't give you standard colors. Just a mess.

 

[KKluckers]

Thanks for your repley. So what about a black roo? Would that work?

 

[kstaven]

Black would work with white hens, your blacks and blues in the incubator.

The silver laced to black I am unsure of. Too long of a day and brain dead I think.

Check this link out. http://home.earthlink.net/~100chickens/id5.html