Genetics of the Lavender Gene: Decoding the Silvery Lilac of Orpingtons

Lavender Orpingtons have a uniquely soft and elegant charm, with evenly toned pale lilac-grey feathers across their entire body.This appearance is the result of the lavender gene ($lav$), an autosomal recessive gene in poultry genetics.

To express the lavender color, a chick must inherit the $lav$ gene from both parents. If it inherits only one copy, it will not display the color but will be a carrier.

🔬 How the $lav$ Gene Works

• The $lav$ gene dilutes both eumelanin (black pigment) and phaeomelanin (red/brown pigment)

• On a molecular level, it is a mutation of the MLPH (melanophilin) gene, which affects melanin transport within feather cells

• The result: a black-feathered bird becomes evenly pale lilac-grey, with no lacing or patterning

🧬 Lavender ≠ Blue

Although Lavender and Blue Orpingtons may look somewhat similar to the untrained eye, their genetics are completely different:

Trait	Lavender	Blue
Gene	$lav$ (Recessive)	$Bl$ (Incomplete Dominant)
Inheritance	Breeds true (100% lavender)	25% black, 50% blue, 25% splash
Visual Appearance	Even-toned lilac-grey (“Self-blue”)	Blue with dark lacing (Standard)

💡 Standardization & Breeding Challenges

• Lavender is not yet an APA-recognized standard color, but is widely appreciated in exhibition circles

• Ideal lavender birds should have a smooth, silvery-lilac tone, free of lacing or uneven pigment

• A major issue for breeders is the "Shredder Gene" — a recessive trait often linked with $lav$, which causes feather fragility, split ends, and poor feather texture

🧪 Solutions: Breeding with “Splits”

To improve feather quality, experienced breeders often follow a strategic crossbreeding plan:

• Lavender x Black → All offspring are black splits (carriers of $lav$)

• Black split x Lavender → 50% Lavender, 50% Black splits (usually better feather quality)

• Black split x Black split → 25% Lavender, 50% Black splits, 25% pure Black(Note: You can't visually distinguish Black splits from pure Black without test breeding)

🪶 Breeder’s Insight from Tamahagane Garden

From my hands-on experience, I’ve found that many imported Lavender lines from Germany and elsewhere still suffer from poor feather quality and lackluster appearance. That’s why I currently offer my Lavender birds at a lower price than the market — not because they’re inferior, but because I know they’re still a work in progress. I’m actively working to improve the line by crossing with high-quality Black Orpingtons, aiming to overcome the Shredder Gene issue and bring out stronger, cleaner feathering in future generations. As progress is made, I’ll continue to update and share the results with anyone interested.