Feedback appreciated on new chicks

[PineHavenMama]

I have a couple of questions about my new Silver-laced Orpington chickens. I’ve waited so long to get chickens again and I’m feeling a bit concerned about the ones I got tonight. I did go and look at the parent birds prior to buying these and the parents were beautiful. I noticed they all had white legs which I’ve read they should. I purchased eight chicks three weeks ago and didn’t notice anything odd about their appearance until today. Two have yellow legs and a couple look like a slate color. That leaves four out of eight with the proper leg color. I’m wondering if this is something that just happens or was I taken advantage of? They weren’t as expensive as online prices, but I still paid $15 a piece. I guess what’s disappointing is that I was looking forward to hatching chicks from them in the future. I know that the ones with off leg color shouldn’t be used in breeding. I appreciate any feedback.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Can you share some pictures? Orpingtons should never have yellow legs.

 

[PineHavenMama]

@oldhenlikesdogs, here is a close up of the legs that I took. I haven’t sent it to the breeder yet. I’ll try to get some better pictures tomorrow. I appreciate your comment. I love my chicks, but have to admit to feeling disappointment over this.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My guess would be they were crossed with silver laced Wyandotte at some point, but it's just a guess.

 

[PineHavenMama]

My guess would be they were crossed with silver laced Wyandotte at some point, but it's just a guess.

So, what would you do if you bought chicks that were supposed to be a specific variety and discovered some don’t measure up? Does this kind of stuff just show up sometimes in breeding? I’m basically wondering what I should say to the people who made such a big deal about paying $125 for a pair of these birds. I don’t know if they realize what they sold me or not. I don’t want to offend them, but these chicks with yellow legs aren’t what I thought I was buying.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'm no expert on this stuff. My guess is someone crossed something like a Wyandotte into the bloodlines to improve the lacing, or even create their own lines. I don't believe chickens come with pedigrees and such like dogs, horses, cows, etc. I think there's probably some cross breeding in many breeds in order to create new or unusual colors. Enough inbreeding can bring out this hidden traits as well. With chickens it's buyers beware I think. Hopefully someone else has a better idea.