silver greys joe goode

 When it comes to the Silver Joe Goode Greys, you are talking about the "showstoppers" of the line. While all Joe Goode Greys are respected for their performance, the Silvers (or "Silver Duckwings") are often the most sought-after for their striking appearance and specific genetic traits.

Here is the breakdown of what makes the Silver line unique:

1. The "Silver" Look

The Silver Joe Goode is defined by its high-contrast plumage. Unlike the darker, sootier greys, a true Silver has:

• Bright White/Silver Hackles: The feathers around the neck are a clean, shimmering silver.

• Black Breasts: Most Silvers follow the "Black-Breasted Silver Duckwing" pattern.

• Yellow or Green Legs: Depending on the specific sub-line (some breeders focus on the yellow-legged "Magicleg" variants), the contrast between the silver feathers and the leg color is very sharp.

2. Genetic Dominance

In gamefowl breeding, "Silver" is actually a dominant gene over "Red."

• Because Joe Goode heavily used Frost Grey and Hatch blood to create his line, the Silver gene became a hallmark of the family.

• If you cross a Silver Joe Goode with a red-colored bird (like a Kelso or Sweater), the "Silver" often wins out in the first generation, which is why you see so many "Grey" crosses in modern derbies.

3. Fighting Style: "The Smart Counter"

The Silvers aren't just for looking at. In the pit, the Joe Goode Silver line is legendary for a specific "IQ":

• High Breaking: They are known for their ability to get above the opponent quickly.

• The "Sidestep": Unlike a straight-ahead "power" bird (like a pure Hatch), the Joe Goode Grey is famous for being a smart shuffler. They wait for an opening and "cut" with precision.

• Durability: They are often described as "dead game," meaning they have incredible heart and will keep fighting even when the odds are against them.

4. Famous Offshoots: The "Magicleg" Greys

A huge part of the Silver Joe Goode history involves the Magicleg family (developed by Sam and Laura McMillen).

• It started with a Joe Goode stag that had a distinct green spot on its yellow leg (the "voodoo" spot).

• These birds are almost always Silver and are considered some of the fastest, most powerful versions of the Joe Goode line existing today.

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Are you looking into these for a breeding program, or are you more interested in the history of the Texas breeders like Sam McMillen? I can go deeper into the "Magicleg" story or the specific crosses that work best with Silvers!