Autosomal Cinnamon

Autosomal Cinnamon is visually similar to Sex-Linked Cinnamon, but is a simple recessive instead of sex-linked. It creates a light, orange/tan color on the bird, with black and brown markings, and dark ruby eyes that were visible when held to light (1)(2)(3). There are also studies done an on "Orange" and a "Buff" mutation (1)(2), all three of which are likely the same mutation just discovered by different laboratories. A similar red-eyed autosomal mutation is referenced in chickens, it is unknown if they are the same gene but they look and interact the same.

It is classified as a semi-lethal mutation, as in homozygous form it causes increased mortality. Both pre-hatch and post-hatch has a high rate of death, with one study reporting less than 40% of chicks surviving until adulthood. Birds that do survive are often sensitive to bright light (2).

Chicks will hatch a darker brown color and lighten up to an orangish color with age, with the reddish brown color being especially prominent on males, and very light undercolor and white shafting(1). The mutation likely decreases the overall amount of melanin in the bird, including in eye pigment (1).

No pictures were included with either of the studies, and it is unknown if they exist in public hands. The current line of Cinnamon in the United States is a stable line of Sex-Linked Cinnamon, and is completely separate from the Autosomal Cinnamon gene referenced here.

Breeding with Autosomal Cinnamon:

Cinnamon x Cinnamon = 100% Cinnamon (note: only about 40% will survive to adulthood)

Cinnamon x Wildtype = 100% Cinnamon Carriers

Cinnamon x Cinnamon Carrier = 50% Cinnamon, 50% Cinnamon Carrier

Cinnamon Carrier x Cinnamon Carrier = 25% Cinnamon, 50% Cinnamon Carrier, 25% Wildtype

Cinnamon Carrier x Wildtype = 50% Cinnamon Carrier, 50% Wildtype