Black/Lavender Orpington or Olive Egger?

[Tannerpauldean]

I recently purchased some 14-week-old pullets from a neighbor who got them from Meter Hatchery’s rare breed assortment. I was told that these two pullets were black/lavender orpingtons, but is there a chance they are olive eggers? Or possibly blue orpingtons? What’s the difference between a blue Orpington and a black/lavender? Thanks in advance!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I recently purchased some 14-week-old pullets from a neighbor who got them from Meter Hatchery’s rare breed assortment. I was told that these two pullets were black/lavender orpingtons, but is there a chance they are olive eggers? Or possibly blue orpingtons? What’s the difference between a blue Orpington and a black/lavender? Thanks in advance!

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These birds are both blue. First one might be an Orpington, the second one does not have the right body type. I agree with you this one may be an olive egger. Looks like it has a modified pea comb. They may both be Olive Eggers.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Both blue and lavender are dilutes of black but are inherited differently genetically.
A black bird can be split to lavender which is what they may have meant. In this case the bird would be black but carry the gene for lavender.

 

[Tannerpauldean]

These birds are both blue. First one might be an Orpington, the second one does not have the right body type. I agree with you this one may be an olive egger. Looks like it has a modified pea comb. They may both be Olive Eggers.

I see what you mean about the body type. The first one looks like my buff orpingtons. I’m going to run with the assumption that’s what she is.

And I guess we will have to wait and see about the other one!

 

[Tannerpauldean]

Both blue and lavender are dilutes of black but are inherited differently genetically.
A black bird can be split to lavender which is what they may have meant. In this case the bird would be black but carry the gene for lavender.

Thanks for the info! I plan on hatching my own ‘barnyard mix’ in the future, so I wonder what genetics these ladies will bring to the mix!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Thanks for the info! I plan on hatching my own ‘barnyard mix’ in the future, so I wonder what genetics these ladies will bring to the mix!

Always fun to see what you get!