Uploaded November 2018 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How do chickens get their feather colours and patterns? In this video, we explain the genetics behind chicken colours, including the role of key pigments and pattern-forming genes.
This is part of a step-by-step Chicken Genetics series, building from basic concepts to real-world breeding understanding.
đ Watch the full Chicken Genetics series from the beginning:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZkmuqBJd8WRFTWpFCoskWs2IpxTsq5pv
In this video:
- The two main pigments in chicken feathers (eumelanin and pheomelanin)
- How genes control feather colour
- How patterns are created in chicken plumage by restricting pigment to some parts of the bird or the feather
- Examples including Columbian and barring genes
Understanding colour and pattern genetics helps you predict how your chickens will look and breed for specific traits.
Subscribe for more practical, science-based chicken care and breeding tips:
youtube.com/c/Chickensinmygarden
How do chickens get their feather colours and patterns? In this video, we explain the genetics behind chicken colours, including the role of key pigments and pattern-forming genes.
This is part of a step-by-step Chicken Genetics series, building from basic concepts to real-world breeding understanding.
đ Watch the full Chicken Genetics series from the beginning:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZkmuqBJd8WRFTWpFCoskWs2IpxTsq5pv
In this video:
- The two main pigments in chicken feathers (eumelanin and pheomelanin)
- How genes control feather colour
- How patterns are created in chicken plumage by restricting pigment to some parts of the bird or the feather
- Examples including Columbian and barring genes
Understanding colour and pattern genetics helps you predict how your chickens will look and breed for specific traits.
Subscribe for more practical, science-based chicken care and breeding tips:
youtube.com/c/Chickensinmygarden
