I was drooling (not literally) over chicks in the feedstore this morning and noticed that their Barred Plymouth Rock chicks seem to have the same difference in their head spots that you see in Marans. Some, presumably pullets, have distinct white spots, others (cockerels?) have the more diffuse head spots. In Marans the roo chicks are also noticably lighter grey than the pullets. But I was wondering if the head spot difference can be generalized for all barred birds? In my new Barnevelders you can tell the roo chicks from the pullets by the chest color--the roos are white or cream, the pullets tan or grey. Its neat!
Head spots and sex-linkage
that was certainly the case with my PBRs. had i known they were not Black AUstralorps, i woul dhave paid more attention to the spot. OK, well, it was MY opinion they were not BAs, but when the feed store AND the hatchery, and the breeder who referred you there all INSIST, you just kinda go with the flow.
it is interesting that i seem to have several Giant Buckeyes with the black spot on top of their heads. maybe i shoul dpay more attention to it's size, shape, config, and see if that is a sex link...
th eGiant Leghorns are easy to tell within a couple of weeks. the roos get the gold around the necks early on... but i can't say i noticed any difference at hatching, and i don't have any new ones to check that with...
to answer your question specifically, we ought to consult a color genetics in poultry type book. but it makes since to me, unless there is more than one gene that contributes to barring, that all would be the same...
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