DNA Testing – Silver/Gold Gene

Silver Gene Test (S)

This genetic test detects the presence of the Silver (S) allele, a color-modifying gene that influences whether a chicken expresses silver or gold-based plumage. The S gene plays a key role in determining the underlying hue of patterned feathers, such as in partridge, duckwing, and penciled varieties.

The Silver gene is dominant, meaning that a bird only needs one copy of the S allele to replace warm gold and red tones with cool silver and white ones:

• Birds with one or two copies of the Silver allele (S/S or S/s⁺) will appear silver-based.

• Birds with two gold alleles (s⁺/s⁺) will express gold-based feather coloration.

This test specifically detects the presence of the dominant Silver allele. A positive result confirms that the bird carries at least one copy of S and will pass it to approximately half or more of its offspring. A negative result indicates the bird is s⁺/s⁺ (gold-based) and does not carry Silver.

Identifying whether a bird carries Silver can be critical in breeding programs focused on varieties such as Silver Partridge, Gray, or Silver Duckwing, where subtle differences in base color can dramatically affect offspring appearance. This test does not distinguish between one or two copies of the Silver allele but provides a clear answer as to whether the gene is present.