The Satinette mutation appeared on the Continent the late 1970’s. Originally it was thought that the Satinette mutation existed in all four classic series (Black, Agate, Brown and Isabel). However, it was discovered later that the Satinette mutation exists in the Isabel and Agate series only. The Satinette mutation is transmitted by sex-linked inheritance. The effect of the Satinette mutation is to totally prevent the presence of eumelanin black and to almost prevent completely the presence of phaeomelanin brown markings. Eumelanin brown markings are present down the centre (quill) and on the top side of the feather. The eye colouration is a clear distinctive red and the underflue is of a beige colour in the Isabel series. The underflue of the Agate series Satinette is a paler version of the Isabel. The horny areas (beak, legs and claws) in both versions are flesh coloured.
Agata cock carrying Satinette x Satinette hen
The Isabel series Satinette is the most frequently kept and bred. Since its appearance, birds possessing deeply coloured unbroken distinctive striations (eumelanin brown) progressing right across the head, on the flanks and progressing around the chest, have been preferred. A pale beige suffusion being evident in the tail and flight feathers is also preferred. The Agate series Satinette almost always appears devoid of pigmentation. On rare occasions a small amount of brown suffusion is evident in the flight and tail feathers and interest*ingly pale striations are visible. Whilst the Agate series Satinette is not normally considered of exhibition quality there is no reason why it cannot be used as one of a pair in the breeding room.
The introduction of Classic Brown to improve the colour and distribution of striations is a viable option providing the resultant non Satinettes, i.e. Brown males carrying Isabel and Satinette or Brown females are not used with any other mutation. The Classic Brown which will be paired with the Satinette should show distinct and unbroken eumelanin brown striations, whilst the phaeo*melanin brown markings should be reduced to a minimum. Remember only cocks can be carrying Satinette. The Satinette can appear in all ground colours and all feather types. Those versions with the paler lipochrome colour tend to be the most beautiful because of the colour contrast. The only red version being widely bred because of this reason is the Mosaic, with White, Red Ivory and Yellow being equally sought.
Satinette or normals carrying Satinette can be produced from the following pairings because of the sex-linked inheritance mentioned earlier:
1) Satinette cock x Satinette hen = Satinette cocks and Satinette hens.
2) Normal cock carrying Satinette x Satinette hen Satinette cocks, Satinette hens, Normal cocks carrying Satinette, Normal hens.
3) Satinette cock x Normal hen = Normal cocks carrying Satinette, Satinette hens.
4) Normal cock x Satinette hen = Normal cocks carrying Satinette, Normal hens.
5) Normal cock carrying Satinette x Normal hen = Satinette hens, Normal cocks carrying Satinette, Normal cocks, Normal hens. Pairing No. 5 is not recommended as it will be necessary to test mate all cocks to determine whether they carry Satinette or not.