Mystery colors in new hatch batch

[dreamofwinter]

Very nice, thank you again!

 

[dreamofwinter]

For anyone wondering how these chicks turned out - here they are at 9 weeks old. The cockerel is the pale-faced one referenced in post #2 - he's a sweetheart, already a very good boy in terms of taking care of his "sisters", tidbitting, etc.
The little redhead (known mother, Buff Orpington) on the far left has a fascinating blue undertone - her down and the streaking on her feathers is all blue. Second photo attempts to show this.
The pullet center right is more blue than the photo suggests, with black tips to most feathers and a darker blue/black ruff/hackle. The black pullet (mother is Barred Rock) on the far right has lots of dark gold/russet interlaced in her feathers.
Can't wait to see what they look like when they have adult plumage!

All four are great examples of the best of Orpington personality - sweet, willing to be held even at this very flighty age, and sure to grow into a nice little flock. I'm happy I managed to get three pullets of the four chicks I kept. The chocolate and dark blue cockerels have moved on to other homes, but I still have the pale blue cockerel so may repeat this fun breeding experiment next year. It's an easy way to replenish my layer flock, who don't need to be purebred, just healthy and friendly.