Cornish X color variants?

[Homestead Sam]

Hi y’all! My latest batch of broilers (1/2 Cornish cross, 1/2 freedom rangers) was a “test batch” from a new hatchery. Some of the Cornish are... not what I’m used to seeing.
Several of them have patches of black feathers. They have had them since I got them as day-old chicks.
They all seem normal and healthy; just... colorful.
Have any of y’all ever encountered this?

 

[Ridgerunner]

So these are a cross between Cornish X and Freedom Rangers. Do you mind mentioning which hatchery or maybe a link so I can go see what they have to say? Could be interesting.

I think what you are seeing is leakage. That's where a chicken is supposed to be one color, and for the most part is, but some color that is not supposed to be there leaks through. The white from the Cornish X should dominate and give you a solid white bird but something from the FR is leaking through. It's not that unusual with crosses.

I'll show this cockerel first just because it's fun. He should be solid black but you can see where gold is leaking through.

This is closer to what you are seeing. These white ones are not Cornish X but red sex link cockerels. Genetically they are supposed to be solid white but you can see where other colors are leaking through.

 

[Molpet]

I would expect more color from the ranger side.

 

[Molpet]

Part CX hen

3 Part CX cockerels on top