Chicken breeders/colour genetics

Nudibranch

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 April 2007
Messages
7,093
Location
Shropshire
Visit site
I've just hatched some bought in orpingtons. They're partridge...but only one has come out the right colour. The rest are jet black - beaks, legs, everything. Even my black cochins don't come out that dark.

Breeder says she's had some mixed chick colours but everything has feathered up correctly. They just look soooo dark. Has anyone had random coloured chicks end up the right colour? Partridge in particular.
 

Clodagh

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 August 2005
Messages
26,650
Location
Devon
Visit site
Black legs will not lighten. Are orps white legged? I breed Wyandotte’s so not that dissimilar but dottes are yellow legged, hence my asking.
Partridge chicks should all look like brown things. I suspect she has a Randy escape artist on site.
 

Nudibranch

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 April 2007
Messages
7,093
Location
Shropshire
Visit site
I'm sure she has either only penned them recently or had a visitor in but she pretty much dismissed my suggestion. A bit disappointing as it's a big specialist breeder. I was expecting at least an offer of some more eggs! I am sure they must be black, bar the one which is obviously partridge. As you say, black legs will not lighten. Shame as partridge orps are hard to find.
 

Clodagh

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 August 2005
Messages
26,650
Location
Devon
Visit site
I'm sure she has either only penned them recently or had a visitor in but she pretty much dismissed my suggestion. A bit disappointing as it's a big specialist breeder. I was expecting at least an offer of some more eggs! I am sure they must be black, bar the one which is obviously partridge. As you say, black legs will not lighten. Shame as partridge orps are hard to find.
That is a shame. I resisted buying eBay (or posted) eggs for years after dodgy results but actually have some in the incubator at the moment.
I hope she does come good and at least offer more eggs.
 

Nudibranch

Well-Known Member
Joined
21 April 2007
Messages
7,093
Location
Shropshire
Visit site
The really annoying thing is I collected them, the breeder is fairly local and I thought I'd found a good source for the future but clearly not! I'd expect that kind of thing on eBay but it just goes to show.
 

Flyermc

Well-Known Member
Joined
30 May 2013
Messages
1,010
Visit site
Ive got 2 buff orpington ladies and they have pink/pale legs.

Do you think they are a cross breed or a black orpington? (i think we need pictures :) )
 

Clodagh

Well-Known Member
Joined
17 August 2005
Messages
26,650
Location
Devon
Visit site
Ive got 2 buff orpington ladies and they have pink/pale legs.

Do you think they are a cross breed or a black orpington? (i think we need pictures :) )
Even black orps have pale legs, sadly.
I hope they grow up pretty anyway.
 
Top