Silver
HISTORY: During the 1950s Mr Cyril Harris of Parkes, NSW produced a very light silvery coloured hen from his collection of dilutes. He soon produced a strain of Silver birds.
GENETICS: DOMINANT
- Silver x Silver = Grey & Silver cocks and hens
- Silver x Grey = Grey & Silver cocks and hens *
* The reverse matings will give the same results.
*It is said that 'double factor' and 'single factor' birds are produced. To date evidence produced suggests that all Dilute Blues are 'single factor'; 'double factor' birds do not develop pass the embryo stage.
SHOW FAULTS:
COCK
- Body colour blotchy, wings faded
- Markings too dark
- Cheek Lobes not white
HEN
- Body colour blotchy, wings faded
AVAILABILITY: Rare - Low
GENERAL: Silver is the result of combining the 'dominant dilute' factor with Grey. Most Silvers are only pale Dilute Blues; hence a wide range of colours are produced. Through selective breeding birds close to the standard are produced. The most difficult feature to obtain is the white cheek lobes.
SHOW STANDARD:
COCK
- Eyes - Dark
- Beak - Red
- Feet & Legs - Orange
- Head, neck & wings - Light silvery grey
- Under parts - White to buff near vent
- Tear Drop - Silver grey
- Face Area - White
- Throat & Upper Breast - Light silvery grey, with silver grey lines
- Breast Bar - Silver grey
- Cheek Lobes - White
- Side Flanks - Light pinkish-fawn, with white spots
- Tail Coverts - Silver grey, with white bars
- Tail - 2 shade lighter than coverts
- Rump - White
HEN
- As for cock, except all cock markings replaced by light silvery grey.
- Beak - Reddish-orange
- Rump - Off-white