Splash genetics in Jerseys and Australorps

[GiantChickensRock]

I have a dozen Jersey Giants that are black, blue, or splash (and one blue rooster) and I also have black and splash Australorps. I'm going to be introducing a splash Australorp rooster this spring. I'm not an SOP breeder, I just love the body style of the U-shaped hens over the round basketball-shaped hens (i.e. orpingtons, sussex). I'm wondering if the splash jersey and splash australorp genetics are similar enough that I might end up with some splash crosses? TIA!

 

[Amer]

Genes work the same across all chickens, so yes.

 

[GiantChickensRock]

Thank you, I wasn't sure that the splash gene in Jerseys was the same splash gene in Australorps. For example there are blue brahmas and lavender brahmas and they look somewhat similar but they are different genes.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Yep, blue and splash are caused by the same gene in all breeds. One copy of the gene diluted black to blue. Two copies makes splash. So with a splash rooster over black, blue, and splash hens you will only get blue and splash chicks.

You're right, lavender is a different gene. And just to cause further confusion, sometimes it is also called "self blue."