Fawn

Fawn is the mutation that causes both Italian (one copy of the gene) and Manchurian (two copies of the gene). In both cases, it makes the bird a light yellow color, with black markings. It is often confused for Lethal Yellow, a similar mutation that is on the same gene and locus, but different allele (4). Lethal yellow is similar in color, but is not publically available and has it's own write-up. ASIP mutations in quail (including fawn and LY) are very similar to the Agouti mutations in mice.

Fawn is feather sexable in both forms--males will often have red faces or markings on the head, while females have two fine black lines on the head. (7)

Italian:

For Italian (heterozygous Fawn), the bird will be a golden straw color with black "v" shaped marks on each feather. They should have a clean mask, with a thin strap of off-white feathering under their chins. Poorly marked Italians will not have black on every feather, but should still have more markings than a Manchurian.

The black markings may also be slightly red in the back and wing plumage, though should not extend to the facial markings in the hens, as this is often a sign of Roux or another mutation. All black and consistent markings are considered ideal.

These are feather sexable both by the face and breast plumage as young as 14 days of age (7). Females will develop black speckles down the breast and two black stripes across the face, while males will have a yellow/cream colored breast and often red markings on the face or a full red cap.

Italian hen -- notice black markings along the back and face. Bird and photo from Pips 'n Chicks

Italian does not breed true as it is heterozygous (one copy of the Fawn gene and one "copy" of wildtype or no mutation).

Italian x Italian will get you 25% Pharaoh, 25% Manchurian, and 50% Italian.

Italian x Pharaoh will get you 50% Italian, 50% Pharaoh

Italian x Manchurian will get you 50% Italian, 50% Manchurian

Manchurian:

For Manchurian (homozygous Fawn) the bird will be the same straw color, but ideally without black markings. They will often have white shafting across the back, and while there may be some residual black "v" marks, these should still be significantly less markings than in Italian.

While it is a bit harder to feather sex Manchurians, it is still possible to do with practice (7). Females will not have many, if any, speckles down the front of the breast, but will still have the distinct lines across the face, while males will have a reddish face and often full black or red face cap.

Manchurian rooster--notice the lack of black markings and slight white shafting along the feathers. Bird and photo from Rebecca Lynch.

Manchurian does breed true in two copies of the gene.

Manchurian x Manchurian = 100% Manchurian

Manchurian x Pharoah = 100% Italian

Manchurian x Italian = 50% Italian, 50% Manchurian

For more information about breeding with this kind of gene, including tips and tricks and a full explanation of how these results were calculated, please see here.