What does "split" mean(for dummies please)

[Sonoran Silkies]

Split is the same as saying heterozygous. And as was stated, is used with recessive genes. You know the bird is split because of breeding records, not from appearance.

 

[Shannon's Chix]

Thanks, I think I got it...

 

[DMRippy]

Quote:
Ok I understand records and the importance BUT if you breed Split x Split and Split x Black you be get black and splits is there really no way to tell them apart? Would you just have to breed them to find out?

Yes I know this is old but I can't find this answer... Is there a current thread on Lavender Ameraucanas? I am hopefully going to hatch some splits and I know nothing about them.
I found a page for the breeding percentages so that was helpful.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Breeding split to lavender will give you lavender and splits. You will KNOW that any black birds carry a hidden copy of lavender (inherited from their lavender parent).

Breed splits to splits and you wll get lavenders, splits and birds that do not carry lavender at all. No way to tell the difference between those that are split and those that do not carry it at all--basically all non-lavenders should be removed from future lavender breeding, or at least considered blacks, not splits. IFF you get a lavender chick from one of htese parents, if you KNOW the parent, you have identified that bird as a split.

Breed splits to black and you will get splits and blacks, and no way to tell the difference; once again, remove from future lavender breeding.

 

[DMRippy]

Quote:
Thanks! These will be 100% Splits so I will ID them if I get them to hatch.

 

[bleu22]