Chicken breeders/colour genetics

Nudibranch

Nudibranch

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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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
Nudibranch said:
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.
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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.
 
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.
 
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 :) )
 
Flyermc said:
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 :) )
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Even black orps have pale legs, sadly.
I hope they grow up pretty anyway.
 
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