Need Help With Breed ID

[jjulian812]

We have 3 Buff Orpingtons which are 12 days old.
Two have pretty full wing feathers and the beginning of tail feathers.
These two are a darker yellow.

One of the chicks hasn’t began to grow tail feathers and has significantly less wing feathers.
She is also a lighter yellow and a little smaller than the other two.

I’m wondering if she is a different breed or can there be that much diffence in one breed.

 

[DobieLover]

The third could be a male. They take longer to develop tail feathers.

 

[jjulian812]

The third could be a male. They take longer to develop tail feathers.

Well, I hope not. Thanks for your reply

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

View attachment 1682971 We have 3 Buff Orpingtons which are 12 days old.
Two have pretty full wing feathers and the beginning of tail feathers.
These two are a darker yellow.

One of the chicks hasn’t began to grow tail feathers and has significantly less wing feathers.
She is also a lighter yellow and a little smaller than the other two.

I’m wondering if she is a different breed or can there be that much diffence in one breed.

The short answer is that yes, there really can be that much of a difference even within the same breed. The longer answer is that this may be indicative of gender, over all health, or it is possible that you have received a mis identified bird. Can you take and post a photo that is not taken from above? Certain characteristics are used to differentiate between breeds that cannot be seen in this picture, such as the color of the legs. Is your smaller chick being bullied at all by the others in the brooder with regards to access to resources such as feed and water that contribute to growth rate?

 

[Alexandra33]

Are the feathers coming in white, instead of buff? As mentioned above, could be a mislabeled breed.

Keep in mind, like humans, chicks develop at differing rates. It's entirely possibly this little one is a late bloomer. Some pullets feather slowly, too....this trait shouldn't be strictly attributed to cockerels.

~Alex

 

[jjulian812]

The short answer is that yes, there really can be that much of a difference even within the same breed. The longer answer is that this may be indicative of gender, over all health, or it is possible that you have received a mis identified bird. Can you take and post a photo that is not taken from above? Certain characteristics are used to differentiate between breeds that cannot be seen in this picture, such as the color of the legs. Is your smaller chick being bullied at all by the others in the brooder with regards to access to resources such as feed and water that contribute to growth rate?

No, I haven't noticed any bullying at all.
All legs are light colored.
I'll try to get a better picture to post.

 

[jjulian812]

Are the feathers coming in white, instead of buff? As mentioned above, could be a mislabeled breed.

Keep in mind, like humans, chicks develop at differing rates. It's entirely possibly this little one is a late bloomer. Some pullets feather slowly, too....this trait shouldn't be strictly attributed to cockerels.

~Alex

No, the feathers are yellow, just lighter.

 

[Alexandra33]

No, the feathers are yellow, just lighter.

Then this is still the same as the rest. Much variation can be found within any specific breed.

~Alex

 

[jjulian812]

Then this is still the same as the rest. Much variation can be found within any specific breed.

~Alex

First time chicken momma and maybe too anxious. LOL
Thanks for your help

 

[Alexandra33]

First time chicken momma and maybe too anxious. LOL
Thanks for your help

We were all in that position at some point. It's slightly stressful, to be quite honest.

You're more than welcome!

~Alex