Barred Rock: Different colors

[arthury]

I have two 6-week old Barred Rocks from the same batch.
One is completely black and the other has the usual spots all over.
Is the completely black one normal? Will the spots start to appear later?

 

[Fred's Hens]

We'd need photos, really.

Where did you get the chicks? Hatched from your own stock or purchased as chicks?












The photos above are at 5-6 weeks. Below are photos of 7-8 week old Barred Rocks

 

[arthury]

I bought them from a local feed store who ordered them from Privette Hatchery (NM).

Here are their photos

https://www.backyardchickens.com/g/a/6512618/plymouth-rock#

 

[Fred's Hens]

This is a hatchery grade Barred Rock cockerel. This is your first bird pictured.




This is your second bird pictured. It is not a Barred Rock, but likely/possibly an Australorp? The black shiny eyes are about all I can go by since the photos are merely head shots.

 

[arthury]

Wow, thanks.

I am really a "lucky" man. I bought and paid extra for 6 pullets and 2 are roosters based on a 90% success rate for sexing.
And, out of the 2 Plymouth Rocks, one is not a Rock.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Although not every experience at a feed store is this sketchy, it happens all too often. As a Barred Rock lover and breeder of high quality birds, you need to meet someone like me.

 

[arthury]

Here's a display of a more complete body ... could it be Black Sex Link pullet?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Here's a display of a more complete body ... could it be Black Sex Link pullet?

No, not the traditional BSL which is a Red over BR. It has Aussie blood, I still contend. They do make some crosses with Aussies to make higher production hybrids as well. About the only other breed that looks similar is a Jersey Giant, the Black variety. Far less common than the 'Lorps.

 

[arthury]

I have not seen a breed that has a white patch under the beak and the rear of the beak, have you?