Just wondering about these chicks

[member 158781]

Hi folks,

There's one Sapphire Gem, (on the left) that at 5 ½ weeks, starts making red feathers around the base of the neck and on the chest. She has legs that are not a very dark slate color. There's some yellow shining through.

Then the one on the right is starting to make longer feathers on the head. That one has beautifully dark slate legs.

Anyone have any idea what's going on here? The Hoover Hatchery picture does show one Sapphire Gem with a red neck. Is that what's going on or is it something else. And could the one with the longer feathers be some kind of blue egg or green egg layer instead of a Sapphire Gem?

Your thoughts on this, please.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sapphire gems are a mixed breed so they can look differently I believe.

 

[AltonaAcres]

Yes, I agree. Most hybrids (like Sapphire Gems) all look slightly different from one another. Hatcheries breed hybrids for traits like egg laying color and ability, not as much for color and appearance.

 

[Mama_in_the_Dell]

I’ve seen some other folks have red on their sapphire gems but none of mine did. I raised 10 total over two seasons and all came from TSC. The chicks with more yellow legs took a long time to turn all black and still have some lighter coloring overall compared to the ones that started off with darker legs.

The other one are you saying it has a crest? It’s hard to see clearly in the picture. Sapphire Gems do not have crests so perhaps that is something else. Maybe a sapphire olive Eggers.

 

[member 158781]

Thanks. Even in their own picture (TSC and Hoover) they show a chicken with a red neck. I was just wondering how that can be if they crossed only blue and splash chickens with barred rock.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks. Even in their own picture (TSC and Hoover) they show a chicken with a red neck. I was just wondering how that can be if they crossed only blue and splash chickens with barred rock.

Are they using black copper marans?

 

[member 158781]

Are they using black copper marans?

From what I understand, DOMINANT BLUE D 107 is the result of crossing synthetic original paternal stock Blue Plymouth Rock with Barred Plymouth Rock maternal stock, according to the website.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

From what I understand, DOMINANT BLUE D 107 is the result of crossing synthetic original paternal stock Blue Plymouth Rock with Barred Plymouth Rock maternal stock, according to the website.

I guess I have no clue what I'm talking about than.

 

[JillD413]

This our Sapphire gem at 5 weeks old. She was purchased from Tractor Supply Co. I have no clue if her colors are run-of-the-mill or not. ‍ She is a sweet natured little lady. No eggs yet...

 

[Frazzemrat1]

This our Sapphire gem at 5 weeks old. She was purchased from Tractor Supply Co. I have no clue if her colors are run-of-the-mill or not. ‍ She is a sweet natured little lady. No eggs yet...

No eggs... not at 5 weeks! LOL You won't see eggs until around 20 weeks!! At the earliest!