Blue/Black/Splash Genetics

BBS made simple…

The Blue, Black, Splash (BBS) gene in chickens determines feather color and works in a predictable pattern. It’s all about how the genes combine:

• Black is the base color.

• Blue happens when one copy of the blue gene is present, lightening the black to a grayish-blue shade.

• Splash occurs when two copies of the blue gene are present, creating a much lighter, spotted or splashed look.

When you breed chickens with these colors, you can predict the outcomes based on their genetics. For example:

• Black x Black = All Black.

• Black x Blue = Half Black, Half Blue.

• Blue x Blue = 25% Black, 50% Blue, 25% Splash.

• Blue x Splash = Half Blue, Half Splash.

It’s like a color wheel for chickens, and it makes every hatch exciting and unique!

Blue/Black/Splash Explained more in depth…

The blue-black splash gene in chickens refers to a specific genetic trait that influences the color of a chicken's feathers. This gene affects the expression of specific pigments, particularly in the melanin pathway, leading to distinct plumage colors. Understanding this gene also involves knowing how it interacts with other color genes in chickens.

When these genes interact, the blue-black splash gene combination results in a chicken with a distinctive appearance. The blue gene dilutes the black pigment, giving the feathers a blue hue, and the splash gene creates a mottled or splashed pattern. The overall effect is a chicken with blue and white splashed feathers, creating a visually striking and unique appearance.

It's important to note that understanding chicken feather color genetics involves considering multiple genes and their interactions. Different combinations of genes can result in a wide variety of plumage colors and patterns in chickens. The blue-black splash gene combination is just one example of how genetic factors contribute to the diversity of chicken colors observed in various breeds.

Learn more about the blue gene here

The Single Gene with Three Possible Outcomes:

There is only ONE “Blue/Black/Splash (BBS)”gene, it is the Blue gene (b), which is responsible for all three color variations in chickens. This gene is part of the incomplete dominance inheritance pattern, meaning that the way it expresses itself depends on the combination of alleles (versions of the gene) the chicken inherits.

Chickens inherit two copies of the gene, one from each parent. Depending on the combination, you get the following outcomes:

1. Black (BB): Chickens that inherit two copies of the “Black” allele will have black feathers.

2. Blue (Bb): Chickens that inherit one “Blue” allele and one “Black” allele will have blue (slate-gray) feathers. This is the incomplete dominance, where the blue color is a diluted version of black.

3. Splash (bb): Chickens that inherit two copies of the “Blue” allele will have splash feathers, which are very light with splashes of darker gray or black.

Why It Seems Like Three Genes:

It may seem like there are three separate genes (one for black, one for blue, and one for splash), but it’s actually one gene with three possible phenotypes based on the combinations of alleles. Breeding results can be predicted based on this genetic pattern:

• Black x Black (BB x BB) = 100% Black

• Black x Blue (BB x Bb) = 50% Black, 50% Blue

• Blue x Blue (Bb x Bb) = 25% Black, 50% Blue, 25% Splash

• Blue x Splash (Bb x bb) = 50% Blue, 50% Splash

• Splash x Splash (bb x bb) = 100% Splash

Understanding that the Blue/Black/Splash gene is singular but follows predictable inheritance rules helps breeders plan for specific color outcomes in their flocks.

Find our Blue/Black/Splash Breeds

If you’re interested in our stunning Blue, Black, and Splash breeds, you’re in the right place! These unique color varieties are a highlight of our breeding program, showcasing beautiful patterns and exceptional quality. Explore the options below to learn more and bring these beauties to your flock.