i did at the time of incubation and brooding keep the 2 species separate (and they were purchased at totally different times) so there is no way i got them mixed (too much of an age difference). i noticed that they looked VERY similar. i needed conformation (in my own mind) that i did get 100% what i paid for. i dont like questioning a breeder's integrity, but i've heard of people mixing pheasant species and bobwhite strains. the breeders i purchased the eggs from (on ebay) had both species.
they are in process of obtaining their adult plummage, so it's just a matter of time before i am sure of them.
thanks all
ps.... to the person who lost a whole hatch, i'm truely sorry for your loss. the valley and gambel i've notice are extemely nervous birds. if you want birds you can look at thru the cage without them going crazy... then the valley and gambel are NOT the birds for you. they are pretty but as you come near the cage they hide, which really defeats the purpose of having them.