4 Mystery Chicks....who has a clue?? :)

[jeninwa]

Hi Everyone! I'm new to BYC and have already learned a lot from you all, just by lurking.

I'd like to introduce my 4 chicks and pick your collective brains about what breeds you think they might be. I got them as 'mystery chicks'. They are ~12 days old.

I'll post updated pics as they grow- there are a few pics of each, sorry they aren't the best quality....they are too curious about the camera!! I'm unsure about sex too, but know it's too early to tell. Looking forward to watching them grow!

#1 Athena











#2 Raven



#2 feet! A tinge of feathers at base of legs



# 2 (left) #1 (right)



#3 Eagle



#4 Ducky



# 4 (left) #3 (right)



# 4 (left) #3 (right)



#4 (left) #2 (right)



Thanks for your thoughts!!
Jen

 

[Poco]

Pretty chicks! I don't know enough to id them, but the ones with feathering on the feet may be Cochins or Bramas, the only two breeds I know of besides Silkies who have that.

 

[PrairieChickens]

I don't know what breed they are, but I can sure tell they're characters! Whatever you got, you're lucky to have them!

 

[jeninwa]

Thanks, Poco! I'm so overwhelmed by the different breeds that its nice to have a place to start.

Prairie- awww thanks, I think so, too! I just moved into a house with a coop a few months ago and have been considering chickens. A friend was taking a biology class where they did an 'imprinting lab' and observed early chick behavior. They were given the opportunity to 'adopt' their chicks, so when I found out I told her I'd give some a good home.

I think they received a lot of attention in class, and I've been spoiling them at home the past few days.

I was told they are supposed to be girls, so I'm hoping they are pullets, because I'm not allowed Roos.

Can't wait to see what they grow into! Thanks again for your help, I think its fun to try and figure them out. I spent waay too much time scrolling thru the 'mixed breed' thread. It's amazing how much different though they can look as adults!

 

[PrairieChickens]

Yeah, Ducky (#4) will probably end up solid black or close to it. It'll be interesting to see what they grow up into!

It's really hard to determine the breed of such young chicks, but as they start taking on their grown-up feathers and adult qualities, it'll be easier to start narrowing it down.

 

[CarolinaHen]

Marans can also have slight feathering on the legs. I suspect that the black ones with slight feathering on just the outside of the legs may be Black Copper Marans.

 

[jeninwa]

Thanks! Its amazing how fast they develop! Last night I still had 2 fuzz butts, but this morning eagle has sprouted tail feathers...literally overnight! And 3 of the 4 also have feathers starting on their shoulders (cranial/medial aspect of wings?) Such fun to watch! Hope they are all girls because it will be hard to let them go! :')

 

[jeninwa]

Here are 5 week updates on my mutts! Pics are in roughly 1 week increments from top L to bottom R. Any guesses on breeds?
Athena

Raven

Eagle

Ducky

...and some family fun shots...for fun!

 

[jeninwa]

Forgot to mention that they are mutts- I don't have any info on possible parents.

Thinking Eagle looks a little cuckoo maran-y. All have a straight comb except for Raven, who might be pea comb-y, not sure....I'm new at this!

Raven's comb is mostly black, but the tinge at the top is looking a little red. Hoping I don't end up with a lot of boys...I'm not zoned for them.