Description:
The wheaten gene in chickens is characterized by a range of colors from creamy white to yellowish-white, salmon, or pale tan. This pattern is similar in palette to ripe wheat heads, hence the name "wheaten." (2) They look very similar to wildtype Duckwing in coloration, especially in males. Wheaton based birds will have almost no black shafting through the saddle and hackle feathers when compared to Duckwing (4).
Males will often be darker, with a black breast and bright reddish orange saddle and hackles, while females will be a pale tan with the same reddish head color. Black primaries and tail feathers are common. Chicks will be a fine tan color , with some stippling and striping through the back possible (4). It will not be nearly as pronounced as the "chipmunk look" seen in wildtype.
The APA currently recognizes Wheaten as an acceptable variety in Malays, Shamo (Ko and O), Ameraucana, Aseel, Japanese Bantam, Marans, Modern Game, and Old English Game. It is also naturally found in the Favorelles and New Hampshires and dark Cornish. (2)
Varieties that are typically on the Wheaten base include salmon, buff, yellow, black tailed yellow, black tailed buff, black tailed red (New Hampshire and Rhode Island Red). (4)
Shamo and Cubalaya both also have Black Breasted Red as a separate variety, though really it is just the wheaten gene selected to be darker than the typical color. (3)
Breeding with Wheaton:
Wheaton x Wheaton = 100% Wheaton
Wheaton x Duckwing = 100 het. Wheaton (will look like regular Duckwing)
Wheaton x Het. Wheaton = 50% Wheaton, 50% Het. Wheaton
Het. Wheaton x Het. Wheaton = 25% Wheaton, 50% Het. Wheaton, 25% Duckwing
Het. Wheaton x Duckwing = 50% Het. Wheaton, 50% Het. Duckwing (all will appear Duckwing)
References & Further Reading
Somes, Ralph G. Jr., "International Registry of Poultry Genetic Stocks" (1988). Storrs Agricultural Experiment Station. 29. https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/saes/29
American Poultry Association. (2023). American Standard of Perfection (45th ed.).
Jessica Watson, Shamo breeder, (05/29/2024) Personal correspondance with author.
Dort, Sigrid van, and David Hancox. Genetics of Chicken Colours : The Basics. Avicultura/Delta Press, 2009.