Oh, I know I won't get bantams as peanuts, but i think I was just not prepared for the size differences this time. My first order (that had all the deaths) was full of bantam cochins and frizzles and just 2 tiny OEGBs, Standard chicks wouldnt have seemed so massive compared to another box of them. The replacement order had ALL of the teeniest, tiniest banty babies. They seemed tiny even compared to the other banties.
Hatchery Dels are not rare, but they often have Columbian Rock blood which results in off-traits. The breeder type Delawares from older lines are still quite rare, but they have been downgraded on the list from Critical to Threatened now (yes!).
I like getting packing peanuts. I like the surprise of not knowing what they will send. I have been lucky and have gotten some females . I just give away my roos
newchickmom, looks like you have a ton of pullets in that picture. The ones shown as packing peanuts are cockerels, who have different markings than the pullets. They do have "smut" down the back and it gradually clears out.