. Feather color in the babies changes a lot as they grow, at least it did with my 6, so I wouldn't base any decision on feather color for awhile. It will be interesting to see what happens with my new 25 birds.
Culling early can be a problem unless you see a structural part of the chicken that does not look right. (crooked toes, crossed beak,telescoped comb in the rosecombs). In the single comb variety it may not be as much of a "first impression" thing as you might.....it depends what the comb problem is. If it is too many or too few points, it is usually the last thing the judge is going to worry about. It is a 1/2 point each deduction. The whole comb only has five points to deduct unless it has a DQ. Rosecombs are another matter. There is about 35 points from the neck up in rosecomb breeds.....and rosecombs are a "first impression" situation......because that is the first place they are going to go when they pull the bird out to exam it.Griffinkid, from what I've read the dark on the beaks is fine. A lot of mine have dark beaks towards the base too. The legs will probably get darker as they get older. My 6 original birds that I just posted pics of, their legs have darkened the older they have gotten, and those pink stripes showed up later too
Mary Ann Harley advised me not to cull too early, although I'm wondering if I should go ahead and find new homes for my birds with imperfect combs. It would seem to me that this would be a "first impression" issue with a judge, and since it's hereditary, perhaps it should have some importance. That is just my thought, I may be completely wrong. Opinions from the more experienced definitely welcome!
