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Autosomal Red

Part Affected

Autosomal, Dominant

Inheritance

Chromosome

Locus

Scientific Gene

Quick Look:

Description:

Autosomal Red is a proposed gene that increases the amount of red pigment on the shoulders and hackles in particular. On Duckwing, it creates a tan, salmon colored breast, and on Wheaton bases it causes an extension of the red through the back and body. Even when covered with silver, black, or other melanizers, it has causes red leakage through the ends of the feathers and through the wing bar, though not very noticeable. This effect on silver is very similar to the sun bleaching that can happen with lighter birds, though it doesn't molt out. On chicks, especially light chicks, the down will have a reddish tinge to the edges of the down (1).


According to breeders that have worked with the gene, it is extremely hard to see the difference between heterozygous and homozygous forms, likely because the mutation is subtle to begin with. For that reason, it has been labelled dominant, though other sources label it as incomplete (1).


It is unknown what gene or locus this mutation is on, or even if it fully exists as it isn't well documented in the laboratory. First mentioned by Hutt.

References & Further Reading

  1. Dort, Sigrid van, and David Hancox. Genetics of Chicken Colours : The Basics. Avicultura/Delta Press, 2009.

Gallery of Images

Contact Me

River Falls & Seymour, WI // pipsnchicks@gmail.com

Studying Agricultural Engineering, ORCID #0009-0007-0045-3498

WI Licensed Poultry Judge, UWRF Poultry Judging Team & Beef Management Team

Proud member of the American Poultry Association (APA) 

President of the American Coturnix Breeder's Association (ACBA)

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