Blues: Plymouth Rock or Australorp?

[Danielpn]

About three months ago I got two hens each of Blue Plymouth Rocks and Blue Astralorps from my feed store. I honestly cannot see a feather of difference between them. As they grow, is there going to be a way to identify them. It probably doesn’t matter much, just curious and I like eggs.

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Look at bottom of foot color! Australorps have white/pink skin and Rocks have yellow skin!

 

[Acre4Me]

Leg color should differ too. Rocks have yellow legs. Australorp should have slate colored legs

 

[Danielpn]

Look at bottom of foot color! Australorps have white/pink skin and Rocks have yellow skin!

Thank you. That’s the type of clue I’m looking for.

 

[Danielpn]

Leg color should differ too. Rocks have yellow legs. Australorp should have slate colored legs

Thank you. Sometimes I think I see a difference in leg color, but the longer I look the more they look alike. I am wondering if the feed store got their hatchlings blended somehow.

 

[CoopedUpNJ]

Here are (supposedly) blue plymouth rock pullets at ~6 weeks -- got them from a local farm who bought a big sexed batch. They appear grey/black but there is a bluish tint when in the sunlight. Legs are definitely yellow with black coloration on the top.

 

[JedJackson]

Here are (supposedly) blue plymouth rock pullets at ~6 weeks -- got them from a local farm who bought a big sexed batch. They appear grey/black but there is a bluish tint when in the sunlight. Legs are definitely yellow with black coloration on the top.


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The ones where the undersides of the feet are yellowish rather than pinkish white are Rocks, and the ones with pinkish white coloring on the underside of the feet are Australorps.

This is because all Plymouth rock varieties have yellow skin, whereas Australorps have white skin.

It's true that Plymouth rocks are supposed to have all yellow legs, but with hatchery birds it's pretty common for them to have black legs. The underside of the feet is the important place to look.

They are healthy, handsome birds regardless of breed. Good job raising them!