Bearded hen

[henjoy]

My granddaughters wanted to hatch some eggs so I let them choose some from a day's worth of eggs. They hatched about 12 weeks ago and one of the pullets is feathered like an Isa Brown and looks entirely like one but has a beard. Since chickens we have in the run that the eggs came from are not bearded (IsaBrown, Welsummer and Brahma) I'm wondering if it is common to have a bearded chick come from non-bearded parents. Or might the silkies from the neighboring run have something to do with this? Anyway, the girls love her and have named her Cinderella because she is so beautiful, but it is a puzzle to me. Any ideas? Thanks!

 

[silkiechicken]

Now that is interesting. If the bearded girl has fifth toes or darker skin I'd suspect the neighbor paid a visit. Else, I guess it is is possible that there are hidden genes in the bunch.

 

[henjoy]

Nope, no silkie characteristics at all. maybe she is just a girl with mysterious past. Thanks for your input.