In that sense hens can carry a sex linked trait…but it always has to be visual. Like you can have a Cinnamon or Opaline hen, but you can’t have a hen that’s split [carrying it invisible, not showing]. Which I’m sure you are aware.

I was just explaining your quote “I have read that recessive or sex-linked genes can sometimes stay hidden for several clutches and then out they come?”

Recessives can remain hidden for several generations, if the split bird doesn’t pair with another Recessive of the same type, passing it on in its offspring without it being noticed.

But it’s different with Sex linkage…a hen can be a sex linked colour [genotype] but not split, she can only pass it onto her sons like you say if she is showing a sex linked gene.

A cock can be a sex linked colour & also split, but as soon as he is paired with any bird, you have the possibility of him producing the sex linked colour in his daughters, but it can’t remain invisible for generation like the Recessive gene can.

right okay gotcha we were thinking on the same lines just, I just wasn't expressing it right by net :ausb:. Thank you Norm.

:budgiedance: