One of the most unique colors to work with, the Lavender Cuckoo Orpington is nothing short of stunning! Lavender Cuckoo Orpingtons have two sets of gene expression, Lavender and the barring gene. The  lavender color however,  is a recessive gene meaning that both the rooster and the hen must carry it to show the color. However, if only one parent is lavender, the color is carried but not shown. The Chart below shows what happens when you breed a lavender bird to a black bird. 

 

 

Lavender X Lavender= 100% Lavender

Lavender X Black= 100% Black split to Lavender

Lavender X Black split= 50% Lavender and 50% Black Split

Black Split X Black Split= 50% Black Split, 25% Lavender, and 25% Black

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 The Barring gene is also part of this variety. The barring gene is a sex linked dominant gene causing an absence of coloration in the feathers causing white pigment in bars on the color. Our roosters and hens carry the barring gene, making all of their chicks barred. 

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The Barring Gene

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Double Barred Male X Barred Female = Double Barred Males and Barred Females

Single Barred Male X Barred Female = 25% Double Barred Males, 25% Single Barred Males, 25% Barred Females, and 25% Solid Females

Double Barred Male X Solid Female = Single Barred Males and Barred Females

Single Barred Male X Solid Female = 25% Single Barred Males, 25% Barred Females, and 50% Solid

Solid Male X Barred Female = All Males will be Single Barred and All Females will be Solid

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