Setting up color genetics for my seramas

[Daisy]

I really need some help. I have gotten 22 seramas and am finding no information on the color genetics of these chickens. I have several of the wild colored males and hens, several of [for lack of another term] white with black tail hens, some gold roosters with darker tails one white roo with red in the wings and one black roo. Just a general awful genetics mess, LOL. I have looked at some sites on the breeds and all I get is that they don't breed true and evidently no one is even trying, in fact some of the owners almost seem proud of the fact that there is such a mismash of colors, go figure. SO, I know practically nothing on how to go about setting up test breedings and pens to try to get them to breed color true. So, HELP ME!@ I didn't want to go on a breed site and get caught up in the politics of them.
Daisy

[Michael]

Daisy, I have the same questions, and the same reactions to the attitude on colors among some Serama breeders. I'd also like to hear comments on feather quality--many Seramas I see in photos seem to have poor plumage.

I am intrigued by Seramas because of their dispositions and suitability as "urban chickens". And I can undestand why people do not want to focus on color before type, size, and fertility are more stable. But it would be nice to see a bit of color genetics applied to them.

--Michael

[Kickingbird]

Welcome to the board Daisy, I hope you enjoy your time here.

With all of the colors mixed in together you are going to have to breed a lot of birds and pick which colors you want to carry on. Then use birds that are closest to the standard for that color (use a color standard for another breed, like OE bantams). It is very hard at this point to say breed this bird to that bird and this is what you will get. Due to the genetic diversity in the birds. However, I believe if you work on and achive standard colors your birds will be in higher demand than other breeders. Try to strive for colors already established in the show breeds as they are stable colors and once achived should breed true for you. I hope this helps some. Good luck on your journey.

Mark