"Exhibition Quality Buff Orpingtons"

[Azaia]

Hello All

I've recently hatched some Exhibition Quality Buff Orpingtons (as described in the title by the seller) from a trusted seller in the UK who has seemingly great reviews on Ebay. The chicks looks great little examples of the breed. But, I have never hatched Buffs before, I have in the past owned a beautiful buff pullet.
I have hatched cuckoos, blues and blacks which were stunning examples of their breed, however the breeder I used last time for those birds does not supply buffs. Hence why I used this seller on eBay.

My question is a small clutch of the 15 successfully hatched out of the 18 shipped eggs, seem to have black markings on their head. I didnt think this was usual?
Ive attached images of two chicks. I believe the heavier marked is a boy judging by his behaviour.

Can anyone explain why they have these markings? I am at a loss!

 

[JedJackson]

I've never seen buff Orpington chicks with markings on them like that. It doesn't necessarily mean they're not purebreds, but it's suspicious. I would contact the breeder with photos. Beyond that, there's not much you can do except wait to see what they're like as they grow/feather out.

 

[UrbanEggsCanada]

Hello All

I've recently hatched some Exhibition Quality Buff Orpingtons (as described in the title by the seller) from a trusted seller in the UK who has seemingly great reviews on Ebay. The chicks looks great little examples of the breed. But, I have never hatched Buffs before, I have in the past owned a beautiful buff pullet.
I have hatched cuckoos, blues and blacks which were stunning examples of their breed, however the breeder I used last time for those birds does not supply buffs. Hence why I used this seller on eBay.

My question is a small clutch of the 15 successfully hatched out of the 18 shipped eggs, seem to have black markings on their head. I didnt think this was usual?
Ive attached images of two chicks. I believe the heavier marked is a boy judging by his behaviour.

Can anyone explain why they have these markings? I am at a loss!

View attachment 3851593View attachment 3851594

I’m definitely not an expert but buff’s are my fav and I’ve done chicks twice. I’ve never seen those marking. I too suggest reaching out to the seller?

 

[Azaia]

Thanks for your replies. Having done a bit more research I have found that there is a possibility that the dark patches fade on the head. Its apparently a desirable trait for breeders as it means the birds develop a deep, rich colour as they mature. On the flip side, they can also lead to some smut, or peppering in the tail and wing feathers.
The consensus is: Great for breeding show lines and producing a richly coloured bloodline, but, not so great for showing.
This is one of the sources.

 

[JedJackson]

Thanks for your replies. Having done a bit more research I have found that there is a possibility that the dark patches fade on the head. Its apparently a desirable trait for breeders as it means the birds develop a deep, rich colour as they mature. On the flip side, they can also lead to some smut, or peppering in the tail and wing feathers.
The consensus is: Great for breeding show lines and producing a richly coloured bloodline, but, not so great for showing.
This is one of the sources.

That's good news if you plan to breed them, then.

 

[Azaia]

Let's see! I'm hoping the colours are darker with richer hues...though I can't find any follow-through photos on anyone proving the theory - or their experience for that matter, that dark spotted chicks = darker shaded adults!

 

[NatJ]

Let's see! I'm hoping the colours are darker with richer hues...though I can't find any follow-through photos on anyone proving the theory - or their experience for that matter, that dark spotted chicks = darker shaded adults!

If you keep track of which chicks had those markings, maybe you can update this thread in a few weeks or months.

I am curious whether your chicks will support that theory or not