Lavender Orpington
Lavender is a recessive dilution gene. When two copies are present the genes dilute to an even pale shade. Lavender genes are used in several different varieties. When added to mille fleur it becomes porcelain. When added to Partridge, it becomes Isabel. Typically in the United States when a black bird has two copies of the Lavender gene added to it, the diluted result is referred to as Lavender. The APA and ABA recognize this variety under the name Self-Blue.
Self-Blue is different from Andalusian Blue because it breeds true. That is to say, when a Lavender bird is bred to another Lavender bird, it will ALWAYS produce a Lavender bird. Unlike when two Andalusian Blue birds are bred together they will produce Blue, Black, and Splash birds. Another major difference between the two blue varieties is Andalusian Blue birds have lacing and a two tone coloration between their body feathers and their head, neck, and hackles. Lavender/Self-Blue birds are to be an even shade throughout the whole bird. Because Andalusian Blue can range in shade, it can easily be mistaken for Lavender and thus it is generally recommended to not breed the two together.
Most Lavender Orpingtons are bred on a Black base. Again, by only using Black based birds, the breeder doesn't risk confusing a pale Andalusian bird for a Lavender bird. Black Orpingtons generally have much better body type than Lavender Orpingtons. For this reason Blacks are used to help improve the type of the Lavender.
Lavender is a difficult variety to breed for a number of reasons. Regardless of the breed, it causes issues with fertility, hatchability, thriving, and of course, feather quality. Outcrossing to Blacks can help to improve all of these issues. It is recommended to outcross every couple of generations to help diversify the gene pool you are working with and to increase type.
Breeding Lavender
Lavender is a recessive diluter. It takes two copies of the gene, one from each parent, for the gene to work. Using a black bird, two copies will dilute the black to a steel grey/powdered grey color. A black bird with only one copy of the Lavender gene is referred to as "split". Record keeping is very important to keep track of which birds have the lavender gene in your flock.
When we started raising poultry in 2008, we started with a handful of split to lavender blacks and a lavender pullet. They variety has been a personal favorite of mine since the moment I saw a picture of one from England.
Over the years we have evolved in our genetics. We have experimented with several different lines to try and improve the innate flaws that come with the gene. Several years ago we purchased a Lavender Cuckoo male and a split to lavender Cuckoo female from Sylvia Bland. This pair has helped to expand our program. We currently are breeding Solid, Barred, and Mottle birds.
At this juncture, we have very few birds to offer. As we expand and improve type and vigor we will begin offering some of our stock to the public.