Blue Chick Found in Black Broiler Pen

[DrunkenPony]

The Black Broiler wasn't intentional, but I needed to pick a fourth chick today and didn't want any Sex Links or Cornish crosses. I happened to pass by the Black Broiler pen and my eye caught this little oddball in a sea of black chicks. She appears to be blue (at least compared to all the other Black Broilers) and I couldn't resist. Any opinions if this little one is really a Black Broiler or did I stumble across something else? I can't find much information here or online about Black Broilers.

 

[hdowden]

pretty is all i can tell you

 

[DrunkenPony]

Thanks. She is definitely a looker with a personality to match. She runs at the chance to climb into my hand when ever I reach into their brooder. This is what resulted...

 

[Angie8eggs]

That is so precious!!!! what a sweet little chick!

 

[DrunkenPony]

Something I should also note that I found odd is she (now named Tallulah) has black skin all over. I'm been doing some reading and apparently only silkies and a few other rare breeds have this trait. I'm so confused

LOL

 

[Aschenfire]

Looks like a Silkie cross to me. She is super cute!!

 

[CMV]

I have no idea what she is, but gosh is she cute! I don't think I have ever seen a prettier baby. Those eyes are huge, and so lovely.

 

[dretd]

Hi DrunkenPony! It looks like she has something other than a straight comb like pea or cushion. Also looks like only 4 toes so I wouldn't think it would be first generation Silkie cross.

I am going to have to go with Blue Sumatra. I think that they can come in that color because I've seen pictures of them-I think they are officially black-featherd.

Also, stunning, clear photos--what is your secret? I can't ever get the little dears to slow down long enough to get a non-blurry photo of some part or another and here you have all views!. Skill? Camera? Luck? Love the one with her snoozing in your hand

I am guessing this one won't be destined for the dinner table.

 

[DrunkenPony]

Thank you for the compliments everyone, she sure is a looker. She reminds me of a baby eagle while the hubby calls her Happy Feet!

I'm not definite if the feed store we bought her at breeds their own stock entirely, but they do have plenty of breeding pens set up and many of their "not for sale, breeding only" pens were filled with Silkies of every color imaginable. I'm curious to find the genetic outcomes of Silkie crosses to determine how many generations it would take (if possible) to have an absence of a fifth toe and leg feathering. Having only online pictures to compare, she does strikingly resemble a blue Silkie chick minus those particular features.

I considered a Blue Sumatra which she also closely resembles except that all the reference pictures to blue chicks show significant facial mask markings and white wing tips. However, seeing how Sumatras have erect tail feathers, it could explain why Tallulah has such a prominent pointed tail compared to the other three chicks (BO, RIR, BR) who have very rounded fluffy rumps.

@dretd: Thank you for the photo compliments. From 2008-2011 I ran a rattery (breeding and showing pedigreed rats, not reptile food) and learned the secrets on how to get clear close ups. The key ingredient is lot's of patience and assuming what their next move will be. Baby chicks are nothing compared to 3 week old rats in the midst of their popcorning stage! I do also highly recommend the Samsung TL205 for it's smart feature and fast shutter speed. I used to have an Olympus model that just didn't cut it before I tested out new cameras. If you're in the market for a new camera, try Walmart. Best Buy takes a restocking fee out of your refund or exchange, but Walmart has a full money back guarantee for 30 days, so I tried a new camera every month until I found the one I have now.

 

[speckledhen]

Can't see her comb that well. If it's a tiny single, she looks like my Blue Orp chicks I've hatched. That isn't black skin, though, just slate legs, like a blue Orp would have. Looks like white skin-look at the bottom of the feet for the skin color.