Enthusiastic but unorganized

[ChknLadysChick]

My mom dove into the world of backyard chickens a couple years ago and when she gets a new idea she goes big right from the start. She wanted a variety of egg colors so she bought approx 12 breeds, 2 chicks each, plus a few other random batches to replace any that didn't make it. However she doesn't always focus on informational details (she takes very good care of them and has done tons of research) so she didn't keep track of which chicks were which breed and now we have 32 hens and just Google to figure out what they are. Some are obvious (Cream leghorn, Mystic Onyx, Buff Brahma, etc) but it's the black ones (many with red necks) that are stumping me. After WAY too much time on the internet, are there any ways to really distinctly tell the difference between Black Orpingtons, Australorps, Black Cooper Marans - hers are clean legged, and Black Sex Links? Thanks for any help.

 

[RobinGel]

Perhaps you could post some pics of each? Looking forward to seeing the hens!

 

[saysfaa]

Yes, sometimes. Along with the pictures, a list of which breeds you know she has and which you know she might have would be helpful. And where she got them (neighbor, feed store, big hatchery, niche hatchery, ...).

 

[Acre4Me]

take note of
1. comb type
2. Color of legs
3. Color of feet bottoms
4. Color of eyes
5. Color of earlobes

Comb type can solve many a question...followed by leg color.

In your situation, for example, a BCM vs a BA - the BCM should have SOME copper color in the feathers at the neck area - not always very obvious, but there should be some copper.

 

[Painted Calls]

If you post pictures, we can tell you what breeds they are and explain the differences between them.

 

[sourland]

Pictures?