Blue/Black/Splash Genetics

Blue, black, and splash are all part of the same color group, determined by the blue dilution gene (Bl). One copy of blue (Bl/bl⁺) lightens black to a smoky blue, while two copies (Bl/Bl) turn the feathers into a pale “splash” of grayish-white. No copies (bl⁺/bl⁺) keep the bird solid black. This page keeps it simple, breaking down the genetics and ratios so you know what to expect in every hatch.

Learn chicken genetics with the BBS gene

Let's Explore Blue-Black-Splash

Blue, Black and Splash (often called BBS) is one of the easiest and more exciting ways to dip your toes in the chicken color genetics. This color patterns shows up in many breeds: including Orpingtons, Marans, Ameraucanas, Silkies, Polish and many more.

What makes BBS so much fun is that its like a built in genetics experiment. When you hatch from these birds, you never know exactly what mix of colors you will get (statistics is fun!) but you can learn to predict the possibilities in your flocks!

Yay Science!

At Akers Family Farm, we LOVE sharing our BBS flocks because it gives new chicken keepers, (especially in classrooms and homeschools) an approachable, visual, hand-on way to learn about how color genes work in chickens, All while filling your coop with some truly gorgeous birds!

BBS made simple...

The Blue, Black, Splash (BBS) gene in chickens determines feather color and works in a predictable pattern:

• Black is the base color. bl/bl

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

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

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.

• Splash x Splash = 100% Splash.

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

Button label

The Single Gene with Three Possible Outcomes:

The BBS color pattern is determined by a single autosomal gene that shows incomplete dominance. The accepted allele symbols are:

bl⁺/bl⁺ → Black (wild-type)
Bl/bl⁺ → Blue (diluted black)
Bl/Bl → Splash (further diluted, pale color)

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

2. Blue: 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: 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 = 100% Black

• Black x Blue = 50% Black, 50% Blue

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

• Blue x Splash = 50% Blue, 50% Splash

• Splash x Splash = 100% Splash

Understanding that the Blue/Black/Splash gene 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.