Feather patterns like pencilling and lacing are among the most beautiful and technically complex features in poultry breeding. At Wolfhoeve, we work with both black laced red Brahmas and double penciled (partridge and isabel) birds, giving us a practical view of how genes like Pg (Pattern gene) and Ml (Melanotic) shape these intricate feather markings.

This guide explores how these patterns form, what genes are involved, and how to tweak or combine them in long-term breeding projects.

What Is the Pattern Gene (Pg)?

The Pg gene determines how black pigment is distributed in the feather. Instead of random black speckling (as seen in birds without Pg), Pg pushes pigment into organized shapes—like concentric circles, bars, or outer rings. It is the foundation of both pencilled and laced patterns.

However, Pg doesn’t act alone. Its expression depends heavily on the bird’s base color (e.g. eb, eWh, ER) and on other modifier genes.

Pencilling vs. Lacing

Pencilled feathers: Pg arranges black pigment into **multiple concentric bars**, seen best on a partridge or silver partridge background (eb/eb).
Laced feathers: With the right modifiers (e.g. Co, Db), Pg pushes pigment toward the **outer edge** of the feather, forming a single bold outline.

Double Pencilled (Multiple Laced)

Our partridge and isabel Brahmas carry this pattern: eb/eb, Pg/Pg, Ml/Ml. In hens, the result is beautiful fine bars across the body. In roosters, the pattern may be more diffuse or only present in the wing and saddle feathers.

Single Laced (e.g. Black Laced Red)

Our black laced red Brahmas display single lacing: eb/eb, Pg/Pg, Ml/Ml, Co/Co. The Columbian gene Co suppresses inner pigment zones, enhancing the bold outer ring effect.

Improving or Adjusting Patterns

Add Ml: Enhances black saturation; needed for clear pencilling or strong lacing
Add Co: Shifts Pg expression to feather edges (lacing)
Avoid eWh/ER in double pencilling: These bases can distort or interrupt pencilled expression

When breeding for refined patterns, always select from hens—the pattern expresses most clearly in females. Cock feathers are less consistent, but still useful for identifying base color and modifier interactions.

Wolfhoeve is located in Beekbergen, Gelderland, the Netherlands. We breed rare Brahma chickens, including black laced red and double pencilled varieties such as partridge and isabel. Follow our blog for practical guides on chicken color genetics, feather patterns, and breeding strategy.