Another "Surprise" chicken from July 20, 2022 hatching from Cackle Hatchery.

[Nurfsmom]

Ok, having difficulty identifying what breed of chicken this one is. She is a large chicken, too fat to get up on the perch at night. I feel like she's a Wyandotte, but has what I'm guessing is "frizzle" on her back. She has rather large feet (cause she's fat?). Any help would be great, Thanks, Nurfsmom

 

[Acre4Me]

For a 6 month old chicken, those back feathers look strange- it looks like fluff. Is there feather picking going on?

The neck feathers scream male- thin pointy feathers, but no saddle feathers apparent.

Feather coloring looks like a SLW, but can’t see the legs. Might be some egger type cross.

Any better pics?

 

[Lovely Lettie]

Male.

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

Cackle has Silver Laced Orpingtons, which the roundness, size, and white legs of this bird indicate is what it is. I also believe based on the general coloration that this could be a male, but it's hard to tell with the state that its feathers are in. No, that is not 'frizzle' on its back, that poor feathering is evidence of feather picking or poor nutrition. Your birds all look to be in pretty rough shape in these pictures. Are you sure you've provided them with adequate space? How big is their coop and run, and how many birds live in it? What exactly are you feeding them and how much? Do you have a feeder or is the feed on the floor visible in the pictures how you've been providing their food?

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Cackle has Silver Laced Orpingtons, which the roundness, size, and white legs of this bird indicate is what it is. I also believe based on the general coloration that this could be a male, but it's hard to tell with the state that its feathers are in. No, that is not 'frizzle' on its back, that poor feathering is evidence of feather picking or poor nutrition. Your birds all look to be in pretty rough shape in these pictures. Are you sure you've provided them with adequate space? How big is their coop and run, and how many birds live in it? What exactly are you feeding them and how much? Do you have a feeder or is the feed on the floor visible in the pictures how you've been providing their food?

I agree! He's a Silver Laced Orpington cockerel

 

[Nurfsmom]

Cackle has Silver Laced Orpingtons, which the roundness, size, and white legs of this bird indicate is what it is. I also believe based on the general coloration that this could be a male, but it's hard to tell with the state that its feathers are in. No, that is not 'frizzle' on its back, that poor feathering is evidence of feather picking or poor nutrition. Your birds all look to be in pretty rough shape in these pictures. Are you sure you've provided them with adequate space? How big is their coop and run, and how many birds live in it? What exactly are you feeding them and how much? Do you have a feeder or is the feed on the floor visible in the pictures how you've been providing their food?

Pipdzipdnreadytogo, they are a bit crowded at this point. They are in a 10 x 20 with an adjoining 8 x 8'. I feed them a 16% layer pellets, some scratch grain and some added 30% protein. I usually just throw a few handsful of feed in, so they don't rush me at the door. They have 2-60lb Little Giant auto feeders for their main supply of layer pellets. We will be building a new coop in a cou ple of months to give them more room..

I will go check out the Silver Laced Orpingtons. I was sure thinking female because oof it's temperament, but, since Orpingtons are known to be docile......... The fat, white legs were surprising to me also.

 

[Nurfsmom]

Pipdzipdnreadytogo, they are a bit crowded at this point. They are in a 10 x 20 with an adjoining 8 x 8'. I feed them a 16% layer pellets, some scratch grain and some added 30% protein. I usually just throw a few handsful of feed in, so they don't rush me at the door. They have 2-60lb Little Giant auto feeders for their main supply of layer pellets. We will be building a new coop in a cou ple of months to give them more room..

I will go check out the Silver Laced Orpingtons. I was sure thinking female because oof it's temperament, but, since Orpingtons are known to be docile......... The fat, white legs were surprising to me also.

Pipd, after checking out the Silver Laced Orpingtons, I do believe that is what he is. I also have what I believe is a female of the same breed. He was one of the ones that got bullied as a youngster, so I separated him from the flock and put him with 3 other abused "females". I know one other of those is a male also.. Thanks for your help.

 

[pipdzipdnreadytogo]

Ah, good to hear their current setup is temporary! I'm sure you and the birds will all be relieved once the new coop is built. And I understand throwing feed to get them out from under your feet--they can be like rabid little velociraptors at feeding time, can't they? Glad I could help!

 

[3KillerBs]

They have 2-60lb Little Giant auto feeders for their main supply of layer pellets.

If layer pellet is their main feed with the others only as thrown treats then they may not be getting enough protein for the optimal growth of dual-purpose birds.

Can you switch to an 18-20% all-flock as their primary ration?

If won't fix the feathers they already have, but the replacements will grow in better.

 

[Nurfsmom]

Ah, good to hear their current setup is temporary! I'm sure you and the birds will all be relieved once the new coop is built. And I understand throwing feed to get them out from under your feet--they can be like rabid little velociraptors at feeding time, can't they? Glad I could help!

These temporary living quarters were caused by several different situations this year. When I got my incubator for Christmas from my daughter, we had all intentions of building a coop in early spring. Well, set my first batch of eggs on 12/21/21, hubby had an unexpected full hip replacement on 1/3/22.......sidelined for quite a while. Then 2/16, I had an accident totaling the vehicle I was driving. No injuries. On 5/23, was involved in another accident, where a loaded asphalt truck pulled out in front of us on major hwy while doing 65mph. Totaled that vehicle and seatbelts broke some ribs on my left side. Well, needless to say, we've had a very eventful year. I had already ordered these "surprise" chicks before the accident. Everything has been put on hold and just trying to make do til spring. Praying for a very uneventful year.

Oh, and I almost forgot......I also had Covid in February.