Free Rare from Murry McMurry

[Phunktacular]

I ordered 10 black start pullets and 10 buff orpington pullets from Murry McMurry hatchery. I cannot say enough good things about them. The birds and the hatchery. They have been so helpful and I can call them anytime that they're open and they'll answer my questions. However, added to my order was a free rare breed chicken. It is straight run of a rare breed that they sell. I cannot tell if this is a male or female and I have no idea what breed it is. I've got a few pictures but, they're under a heat lamp and they're not the best quality. I do notice that it's got a little bit of a tuft on the top of its head but, not sure if that'll go away as it ages and puts on feathers.

Thanks for any ideas you may have.

 

[Alexandra33]

Mottled Houdan, it looks like! Does it have the characteristic 5th toe?

Gender determination will have to wait another several weeks, maybe more, since it's a crested breed.

~Alex

 

[rosemarysugar]

Were the chick healthy when you get them?

 

[Phunktacular]

Is that the 5th toe you were referring to? I never would have thought to look for that. Thank you.

Also, I am very satisfied with the health of my birds. On top of the 21 birds I was expecting, I also received 5 extra males. The box said they were for warmth. I think they just wanted to get rid of them. They're all either pearl leghorns or red start roosters. So, 26 birds total. I lost 1 black star on the first night. I was pretty feeble when I received it but, hard to tell that right out of the egg, ya know. They credited me the cost of that bird for my next order. I think 1 out of 26 birds lost isn't too bad.

 

[drumstick diva]

It will be easier to tell gender when the chick is 6-8 weeks of age, and away from the red lamp.

 

[Phunktacular]

ok. I'll probably be back at 6-8 weeks for help with that, too. We're really hoping its a pullet.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Mottled Houdan

 

[Phunktacular]

Well, they're almost 4 weeks old. Not sure if anybody will be able to tell but, I told me wife that I'd ask. She's really hoping that it's a hen. Let me know with any guesses.

Thank you

Rob

 

[Gray Farms]

Much to young still. Crested breeds take longer. Post pics at 8-10 weeks.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

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