Double Lacing vs Single Lacing in Chickens | Pg, Ml, Co and Pattern Breeding Tips

Laced and pencilled feather patterns are iconic in heritage poultry breeds—but not all lacing is the same. At Wolfhoeve, we breed both black laced red (single laced) and partridge and isabel Brahmas (double penciled). While the visual effect may appear similar at first, the underlying genetics and expression are very different.

What Is Double Lacing?

Double laced birds show **two or more black lines** across each feather, mostly visible in hens. The genetic formula is typically:

• eb/eb – Asiatic partridge base
• Pg/Pg – Pattern gene
• Ml/Ml – Melanotic, enhances black pigment

This produces multiple laced rings across each feather, most striking on the breast and flanks. Males tend to show more solid color, or irregular pencilling on the saddle and wing feathers.

What Is Single Lacing?

Single lacing restricts the black pigment to the **outer edge** of the feather. This pattern requires additional modifiers:

• Co/Co – Columbian, restricts pigment centrally
• Db – Dark brown, optional enhancer

Our black laced red birds carry the combination eb/eb, Pg/Pg, Ml/Ml, Co/Co, resulting in a sharp, contrasting edge around each feather on a golden red background.

Comparing the Two Patterns

How to Improve Each Pattern

• For double lacing: Avoid too much Ml—it can darken the feather too much, losing contrast. Select birds with sharp inner and outer bars.
• For single lacing: Balance Co and Ml carefully. Too much Co weakens the color. Roosters should have clean tail and saddle feathers with visible lacing.
• Check base color: Use only eb/eb for stability. Avoid ER or eWh unless you’re controlling for specific expression like in Sebrights.

Wolfhoeve is located in Beekbergen, Gelderland, the Netherlands. We breed rare Brahma chickens, including black laced red, partridge, and isabel varieties. Follow our blog for more insights into chicken feather pattern genetics and breeding plans.