Why are Lavender Orpington Splits always done with Black Orpingtons?

[cukooformarans]

I know the purpose is to help the Lavenders develop more Orpington qualities, but why is it that they are not crossed out with other colors-like buffs?

 

[cukooformarans]

Also, does it ever make a difference whether you should use a Lav hen or a Lav Roo for a split, or would the genetics work out the same? Seems like it wouldn't matter, but I have noticed that ppl on here talk about using certain hens only for roos (IE if you want to keep roosters from this breeding, use this hen. If you want to keep hens from this breeding, use another hen.) Also, I know some characteristics are sex linked, I just don't know which ones!!

Bet you can tell I'm a newbie!

Any information would be much appreciated. I have my first lavender orpingtons in the incubator ...

and want to learn everything I can about this BEAUTIFUL bird!

 

[hinkjc]

Black is pretty basic and is the cleanest color to work with to produce a good consistent plumage color on lavender. Buff has a lot of extra genes involved. The first cross would produce many different colored chicks. Using blacks produces consistent color (or should, as long as there is no red leakage). Selections should be based on multiple factors - a few of which are body type and color. Matching up birds is typically based on individual perception and goals. I have bred split to split, lav roo to black hens, Black roo to lav hens, etc. We are now taking our best lavender roo back to some great looking black hens to continue working on our line. Matching up birds to get the right result is not just a matter of putting a couple birds in a breeding pen, but finding the right balance in the father and mothers to give the best results.

Good luck with your hatch.

 

[Henk69]

Because a lavender is a solid black chicken that has additional lav/lav.
Lavender mutation dilutes black to lavender, and anything else to isabel.
A buff plus lav/lav would be isabel.

 

[cukooformarans]

Wow thank you both for the quick response! As you can tell, I am new to this. I see now that there is already a lavender orpington thread, but don't know how to move this one. We have some descendants of the hinkjc line (so it was pretty neat that you wrote a reply!!!!) that I bought from Bargain. Nancy is so fabulous!

Anyway, we are looking forward to working with this color, mostly just for our enjoyment. So excited .... they are due to hatch in 2 weeks!!!

I'm not familiar with Isabel but will look it up. Thanks so much again!!