Delaware and Welsummers at 10 weeks- are they show quality?

[HorseFeathers]

Hi guys. I'd like to check on how these three are developing show-quality-wise. The first is Una, the Delaware, and the two Welsummers are Bella and/or Artemis (I honestly can't tell them apart!)

Una the Delaware, 10 weeks (the camera takes away a few pounds

)

Artemic and/or Bella the Welsummer(s), 10 weeks (they look exactly the same so I'm not fretting that one might be better quality than the other)

 

[speckledhen]

It's really way too early to tell show quality, IMO, especially on the Delawares. Their markings change so much over time! She does have nice leg color, though. Can't tell about her comb in the pictures, and that will change as it gets larger, too.
I have no idea how to ID a show quality or breeder quality Welsummer. Are you enjoying them?

 

[HorseFeathers]

Yeah, they're great. We got all three from breeders as eggs. Una's actually a lot whiter, the pic was at sunset so it's sort of off-color. I just wanted to check on her body shape, since she is without a doubt one of the fattest chickens we have ever had... that's good, though, right?

 

[speckledhen]

It's hard to tell about her body size unless I can see her with chest facing front, but if she's chunky, that is very good. They will fill out much more later on, too, so she has a ways to go.

 

[Goose and Fig]

I think your wellie needs to fill out a bit more too- she's still young. But I love her color.

 

[EweSheep]

Yes, I agree with Mts, your Wellies need to fill out a bit more to get the depth and more color to them. Sometimes they are "ugly duckling" at this stage and they look like racy TBs LOL!

I would wait around eight months of age to get some idea of how they will fill out. Delawares and Wellies seems to matured later than Leghorns or production breeds but it would be worth it after you get to see the finish product.

 

[walkswithdog]

Around 20 weeks, ideally 24 and on you'll get a better idea on the Delaware, it's around then that the comb on a hen starts to lean, twist or stay straight. It's also around then that you begin to see what will be adult markings in tail and hackle. She has good legs now, it's a good start.

Photos from front and from back/above are helpful to tell adult shape, when you repost. Tail set and width/back are important, and not at all developed at 10 weeks in general.

Chunky is hugely important in the breed early on so that is a good sign. Keep handling her so you can take pictures easily when she's calm, it helps a LOT, especially if you do want to show.

 

[HorseFeathers]

Thanks guys! Una's growing like a big fat weed, she's already as big as some of our 1-year and 2-year old hens.

Yeah, I know the Welsies are skinny, but I'm not worried about that because our adult Welsie was a little stick as well and now she's one of the fattest.

I'll be sure to post pics when they're older! Thanks!

 

[FrizzleFreak]

Also, with the Wellies, I've found that you need to watch for stubs=depending on where you bought the eggs of course. Stubs are little feathers that grow on the feet, I think that they are left over from when some bright spark introduced Partridge Cochins into the line.
And yet again, you take my critter's names!! I have a Brahma hen named Bella, and my showmanship dairy goat is named Artemis!