Genetics - An Attempt at Simplifying the Complex

I came upon this old article when looking to help someone who asked, understand genetics. Not much should have changed really, as I read it and find it very informative. I shared it with them. Thank you!

Wonderful explanation and breakdown of the basics of color/pattern. Very much appreciated by a newbie like myself!

This is something I knew nothing about. it was obvious that certain genes were dominant in the various generations of chickens I keep and now I know why.

OMFG! THANK YOU! Im pretty savvy with genetics compared to a normal "lay" person, I knew how the Chicken calculator worked But didnt know what ALL the abbreviations stood for so I couldnt use it. I came across this article and now I know! Now just have to learn what color/patterns have which genes in play so I can use the calculator. This was a HUGE HELP! You are a great person to take the time to write this out for the rest of us!

Hi, I have a question. I have a flock of Wyandottes. The rooster is a black laced red, hens are silver laced, splash laced red and a blue laced red.
From what I've heard, the chicks from the splash laced girl will turn out 100% blue laced red and chicks from blue laced red will be 50% blue laced and 50% black laced red.
But what will be the resulting chicks from the silver laced hen crossed with the black laced red rooster?

Gene colors are broken down. a few examples are given. You will need to think to digest the info but one of the easier to understand articles on color genes I've read. Refers mostly to feather coloring.