Orpington confusion!

[PouleChick]

I got some eggs back in the summer that I hatched and in one lot I had some Orpingtons and some Australorps. My black Australorp died but I'm looking at my grey 'Orpington' Penelope and wondering if she is actually an Australorp (I think I read somewhere that they do come in grey but maybe I'm wrong and got confused for nothing!)?What do you guys think? She is much less fluffy than my other girl Daisy who I'm sure is an Orp':
Meet Penelope:

And Daisy in comparison:

My second question is - I'm pretty sure (100%!) that the 3rd Orp is a boy - he is huge and much bigger than the girls and his tail feathers are sticky uppy but they are now 25 weeks and I've heard no signs of him crowing. Would this just be because we have other cockerals? Or have I made a sexing error? I'm prepared to be wrong as I'm so new to all this - maybe he is a butch over developed girl

Thanks for your help!

 

[JedJackson]

I think Orpington. She's not as fluffy as the others, but she looks larger and fluffier than what an Australorp to me. Also her lacing is excellent, which makes me think she is more likely to be a long established breed like blue Orpington rather than a newer breed like blue Australorp. But definitely gather more opinions.

 

[drumstick diva]

agree with Jed

 

[PouleChick]

Thanks both! And my boy is a boy?

 

[JedJackson]

Thanks both! And my boy is a boy?

Yes, the 3rd one is definitely a cockerel. A very nice one, too.

 

[PouleChick]

Yes, the 3rd one is definitely a cockerel. A very nice one, too.

He is gorgeous isn't he! And seems so calm all the time too. I already have 2 cockerals (total current flock of 18) so I'm going to need to make a decision - seems silly to keep him as he is big and eats a lot . He is so gorgeous I can't bear the thought of eating him so will need to try to rehome first!

 

[sassysarah]

Yes, she definitely is a Orpington! They're all pretty birds! Yes, the last is a handsome, gorgeous cockerel!

 

[andreanar]

1st one is an Orp, the last is a very handsome cockerel!

 

[PouleChick]

I think I may have already found a home for my Orp boy a friend in the village has a nasty rooster and would like a nice one!

 

[sassysarah]

That's awesome!