Genetics of Chocolate

Chocolate is a black diluter gene that causes black to appear brown. When chocolate genetics meets blue genetics, it creates Mauve and Mauve Splash. Blue is also another black diluter gene.

Our Focus

While both are beautiful colors, Her Chickies does not prioritize Chocolate. We strive to breed Chocolates as close to the Standard as possible, but they are not our primary focus. Currently, we are working to build stronger, better type.

Sex-Linked Breeding

Chocolate is sex-linked, meaning it follows a pattern similar to barred genetics. Males inherit two copies of the gene (one from each parent), while females inherit only one, passed down from their father. Chocolate for males is recessive and for females, it is dominant. When Chocolate is fully expressed it dilutes Black into a brown color.

When a Chocolate male is bred to a non-Chocolate female, all female offspring will be Chocolate, while males will be "split" to Chocolate—carrying one Chocolate gene but not expressing it. However, when a Chocolate male is bred to a Chocolate female, all offspring will be Chocolate—male and female.

Occasionally, we will have a sex-linked breeding pen with our Chocolate rooster over Black and/or Paint and Dominant White hens. 

Slow Feathering Gene

Chocolate Silkies and their respective variants are well known for having a slow feathering gene that causes them to take months to fully feather out. Our line takes up to 14 weeks to fully feather out! If you're wanting a variety that needs to stay in the brooder for a while and cuddled up closely to you, these are it.

Recessive White

Recessive white is often used in breeding programs to improve type in Chocolates. However, at Her Chickies, we have chosen to work exclusively with clean Blacks and have blood-tested all our Chocolate breeders to ensure they do not carry recessive white. While the gene may be widespread, we are committed to avoiding it in our breeding program and will not contribute to its proliferation.

----

Notice:

By using, accessing, or interacting with herchickies.com, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by our Terms of Use Agreement. If you do not agree with these terms, you should immediately discontinue use of the website. 

The information provided by Josie is the result of dedicated research, hands-on experience, and careful documentation. 

If you choose to reference or share this content, please provide credit by properly citing my work, Josie Chang and Her Chickies. In no way, shape, or form may this content be used to promote or advertise your own birds, farm, or business.