Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[WhoDatChick]

I was looking through old pictures and this one reminded me that I don’t think Ester is a Barred Rock. She looks more like a Cuckoo (?) Marans. However, her eggs started out as very pale, pinkish tan eggs and have faded over time to white. In this photo, Ester is at around 11:00 and Bridge, my Barred Rock, is at 2:00. Does anyone disagree they are not the same breed? What do you think Ester is? She looked different from the other Barred Rocks as a chick, but just slightly. The spot on her head was smaller and she just looked subtly different. Thoughts?
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She def looks like a Cuckoo Marans... this is Big Mak Attack.. but she lays a very dark egg...

 

[LozzyR]

She looks more laced than barred to me.

Yes, I thought the same thing. Is that the same as penciling?

 

[LozzyR]

Yes, it was taken today. She certainly has the BR personality. Very laid back & easy to get along with, but while her sisters are more rounded she has this strange athletic body.

I like how she’s got a couple of barred feathers!

 

[Ribh]

I like how she’s got a couple of barred feathers!

Without them I'd think I'd been royally pranked!

 

[Ribh]

Yes, I thought the same thing. Is that the same as penciling?

No. Pencilling & lacing are different. Lacing outlines the outer edges of the feather [usually in black or white]. Pencilling has several fine lines following the contour of the feather. I can't explain it better than that. Sorry.

 

[Ribh]

I don't see any Barred Rock traits in her at all. Her comb and wattles are very large. How long is her neck?

Very long. As I said she usually stands like a rooster with an extended neck. As Lozzy pointed out she does have those couple of barred wing feathers. Personality wise she is all Rock ~ but she is a most unusual bird. She's great as she is hardy & not ever a bird I've had to worry about, Lays well, middle order ~ gets overlooked a bit as she isn't a fantastic looker, isn't demanding of attention but friendly. Start adding it all up & she's rather special.

 

[Ribh]

I think she is beautiful. Her head looks more like an Orpington than a Barred Rock.

Well, that's one bird my breeder doesn't do! She'll have to remain something of a mystery bird ~ though I can tell you she lays pinkish tan coloured eggs just like my other Rocks do.

 

[Shadrach]

Beautiful Bob.

But I always find it a bit alarming when they do this.

The first time I saw one of my hens sunbathing I rushed out to them and chased them around the back yard thinking they'd been injured.

One of my favourite BYC articles describes similar.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...e-person-would-tell-you-about-chickens.64567/
It's a shame she doesn't post anymore. She's got a great sense of humour and can write well.

 

[MaryJanet]

One of my favourite BYC articles describes similar.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...e-person-would-tell-you-about-chickens.64567/
It's a shame she doesn't post anymore. She's got a great sense of humour and can write well.

I read that article my first week of providing chicken care! Her description is the reason I didn't panic when a hen laid down to dust and sun bathe.

 

[Shadrach]

You would never guess. Yup it's broody, it's bad tempered and it's Tap.