Wolfhoeve Breeding Programme

Chicken Color Standards

International breed standards · color genetics · variety identification

This platform synthesises the expert knowledge base of chicken-colors.info — a reference built by experienced breeders and geneticists, combining decades of previously scattered knowledge into a single verified source. Each color variety entry contains genotype data sourced and verified by breed specialists.

The tools here are designed for breeders at all levels: whether you are trying to understand the genetic difference between two similar-looking varieties, plan a breeding cross, or identify which standard your birds conform to.

New to colour genetics? The Genetics Guide explains the whole system from the ground up — the two pigments, how genes and alleles work, and the loci behind every variety.

Developed by Dr. Anne Rainville, as part of the Wolfhoeve breeding programme. Feedback via wolfhoeve.nl.

Tools
Breeder Intelligence Platform Coming soon

Answer guided phenotype questions about your bird or breeding pair. The platform uses those observations to estimate likely genotypes, predict breeding outcomes, and help plan which crosses are most likely to produce your target colours.

Compare Standards

Select two color varieties and compare their breed standards side by side — genotype differences, phenotype descriptions, and AI-generated commentary on how to distinguish them in practice.

Breeding Outcomes

Select two parent varieties, adjust genotypes where your birds differ from the standard, and calculate expected offspring frequencies — including Punnett squares, linked-gene handling, and F2 planning.

Identify Chicken Color Variety

Upload one photo of your chicken and see which color varieties it lines up with — free, no sign-up.

All three tools are completely free to use — no account, no sign-up — and are built on open-access, scientifically validated breed standards, peer-reviewed research, and published genetics data, credited throughout.

Colour genetics, explained

Free reference articles on how chicken colour works, and how specific colours are built and inherited. Prefer one long list? See All Topics.

Start here
Genetics Guide How the whole system works Glossary Every term and colour locus FAQ Common questions, answered About & Methodology Who writes it, and the sources
Patterns & mechanisms
Pattern genes Lacing, pencilling, spangling Linked genes Db, Ml & Pg travel together Sex-linked genes Sexing chicks by colour Chick down sexing Pullet or cockerel at hatch Mottling The white tip, many standards Barred & Cuckoo The sex-linked barring gene
Colours & varieties
Partridge & Duckwing The wildtype base Salmon The Faverolles wheaten colour Blue, Splash & Black One gene, three looks Lavender Self-blue, and how it hides Isabel Lavender on a gold base Chocolate Sex-linked warm brown White Dominant vs recessive Mille Fleur The tricolour pattern Porcelain Lavender-softened mille fleur Tollbunt Laced and mottled together Buff Columbian Black, Blue & Splash Columbian markings Buff White Columbian Often called "lemon pyle" — why it isn't true pyle