Mislabeled tractor supply chicks

[Tnkmommy87]

Hello all, I need some help. I bought 8 chicks from tractor supply. They didn't know what they were cause they came shipped as cuckoo marans. I think they are light Brahmas. They are absolutely not cuckoo Marans. They are 10 days old now and I can see combs starting on them. They are also 2-3x larger than my other chicks of same age. I am new to chicks and cannot figure this out. Some chicks also have black spot/stripe on head some do not. Some are fully feathered some are not and one is a runt. Thanks in advance, Ashley.

 

[JedJackson]

I'm seeing single combs and white/pinkish legs, unless it's just the photos. So guessing they might be wheaten Marans.

 

[Tnkmommy87]

I'm seeing single combs and white/pinkish legs, unless it's just the photos. So guessing they might be wheaten Marans.

Do they have feathered feet? Mine do.

 

[JedJackson]

Do they have feathered feet? Mine do.

Yes, most in this country do have feathered feet, but not all.

The combs on your chicks are a little difficult to make out just yet. So they could be Brahmas if they turn out to have pea combs. You could also have a mix of breeds. Some look more reddish that the others. It's difficult to say with certainty at such a young age.

 

[drumstick diva]

x2

 

[Tnkmommy87]

Thank you for your help. I'm actually kind of glad they may not be brahmas. That's a whole lotta big birds. I just looked up wheaten Maran chicks and they look very much like mine.

 

[JedJackson]

Thank you for your help. I'm actually kind of glad they may not be brahmas. That's a whole lotta big birds. I just looked up wheaten Maran chicks and they look very much like mine.

You are welcome. Wheaten Marans are a great breed and I hope you get at least some, too. Who wouldn't want those yummy dark brown eggs?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I LOVE Marans, raise black coppers.

I got some bantam wheaten Ameraucana... and the color was exactly like those babies. The boys turn MUCH darker, the same color as black coppers, but with another brown patch at the bottom of the wing.... I didn't realize I would love the wheaten color, but it's really quite cool to have boys and girls look nothing alike yet be the same breed.

Glad they aren't likely Brahma either, for you.

BUT.... I would NOT expect to see wheaten Marans at TSC, and especially NOT if you paid $3 ish for them. I would be thinking maybe Cochin or the like... but hey, mix ups happen all the time! Marans would likely grow faster like you are describing though than Cochin.

Finding out which hatchery they used can help you really narrow things down a little.

 

[Tnkmommy87]

I LOVE Marans, raise black coppers.

I got some bantam wheaten Ameraucana... and the color was exactly like those babies. The boys turn MUCH darker, the same color as black coppers, but with another brown patch at the bottom of the wing.... I didn't realize I would love the wheaten color, but it's really quite cool to have boys and girls look nothing alike yet be the same breed.

Glad they aren't likely Brahma either, for you.

BUT.... I would NOT expect to see wheaten Marans at TSC, and especially NOT if you paid $3 ish for them. I would be thinking maybe Cochin or the like... but hey, mix ups happen all the time! Marans would likely grow faster like you are describing though than Cochin.

Finding out which hatchery they used can help you really narrow things down a little.

I just called the store and they said they get them from hoovers hatchery. I payed 1.99 a piece because they were mislabeled as cuckoo Marans. I got one for free it had pasty butt (all better now) I have an old English wheaten bantam hen and roo outside with 7 wk babes(3 roo 2 hen) so if they are wheaten Marans they will fit right in.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I payed 1.99 a piece because they were mislabeled as cuckoo

IDK, I like the wheaten better! And you got a great deal.

Hoover's indeed has them...
https://www.hoovershatchery.com/frenchwheatenmarans.html