Does anyone know what breed my chicks are? They were shipped with to add warmth

[fiveidahoboys]

I wanted to buy Americauna chicks from the feed store, but unfortunatley they didn't come in. However, they had gotten a shipment of duckling and these little chicks were shipped with them to help keep the ducklings warm. The feed store had no idea what they were or if they are hens or roosters, but they gave them to me free mostly becasue I think they felt bad the Americaunas didn't come in. Mostly, I just want to know what breed they are.

At first I thought they were cochin bantams just because they had a sign posted on the brooders with that label. However, I don't think that is true because they look nothing like them to me. I think the label was from the previous occupants of the brooder, and that they had all sold.

They are 12-14 days old. They are more skiddish than my other chicks (sex-link, sussex, Rhode Island Red, Americauna). What do you think? It's driving me crazy not to know!

 

[Laceychick08]

Maybe australorp

 

[keesmom]

If they are that old and have so few feathers I expect they are cockerels. Not surprising since they were put in a duckling order. I would guess male black sex links but there are a lot of other breeds they could be as well.

 

[BantamLover21]

They're probably Barred Rocks or male Black Sex-links.

 

[Michael OShay]

Given the off-shading on the legs and the white spot on top of the heads, they're likely male Black Sex Links.

 

[fiveidahoboys]

Thank you all! I am sure you are all right. I am a first time chicken gal (and have been loving it) so I know little. I didn't realize that roosters grow slower or that they had darker legs.
It looks like I get to do some research on sex link cockerels.

 

[fiveidahoboys]

Thanks. I have a friend that thinks they are barred rocks too. If they are barred rocks, do you still agree that they are cockerels?

 

[RogerTheChicken]

Ccockerel Barred Rocks, they usually send males to keep other chicks warm because the males are typically warmer

 

[fiveidahoboys]

Ccockerel Barred Rocks, they usually send males to keep other chicks warm because the males are typically warmer

Very interesting, thank you. That definitely makes sense!

 

[Michael OShay]

Thank you all! I am sure you are all right. I am a first time chicken gal (and have been loving it) so I know little. I didn't realize that roosters grow slower or that they had darker legs.
It looks like I get to do some research on sex link cockerels.

Thanks. I have a friend that thinks they are barred rocks too. If they are barred rocks, do you still agree that they are cockerels?

Male Black Sex Link chicks and Barred Rock chicks are almost identical, so realistically your chicks could be either one. Sometimes one will even accidentally end up the bin with the others in hatcheries. As they begin feathering out, you will see some off-color such as few red feathers or some excessive white feathering in the neck and saddle area if they are Black Sex Link cockerels.