Blue

Blue is most commonly known for the "blue, black, splash" genetics, as it presents two distinct forms. It is the most common and often only way to achieve the blue or splash variety in any breed. It is thought that this is a similar gene to the blue seen in ducks, but different in turkeys (2).

In heterozygous form (one copy of blue), the bird will appear a slatey-blue color. It is most often seen with a slight lacing of darker blue or black (found with the lacing gene). In homozygous form (two copies of blue), the variety is called splash and will be a light grey or white undercolor, with spots of black or blue feathers across the body (1). The absence of either form of blue is usually black, though this is often due to an extension on the E locus (1) and several other self-colored genes.

The APA recognizes the blue variety (heterozygous form) in Ameraucana, Andalusian, Cochin, Jersey Giant, Langshan, Orpington, Plymouth Rock, Sumatra, and Wyandotte.

However, it only recognizes splash (homozygous form) in Ameraucana, Cochin, and Modern Game.

Breeding with Blue:

Here, black is the absence of both, blue is the hetero. form of the gene, and splash is the homo form of the gene.

Splash x Splash = 100% splash

Splash x Blue = 50% blue, 50% splash

Splash x Black = 100% blue

Blue x Blue = 25% black, 50% blue, 25% splash

Blue x Black = 50% blue, 50% black For more information about breeding with this kind of gene, including tips and tricks and a full explanation of how these results were calculated, please see here.