Solid Black Chicks

[TylaMac]

Hi I'm a newbie to this forum and not exactly a breeder. I've been adopted by a semi-feral flock that escaped from my neighbor when he got out of the chicken biz. We feed these chicks but do not house them.They roost in the woods and eat the seed and dog food we feed them. These birds are mixed game breeds.The last few generations seem to be reverting back to jungle fowl characteristics with slate grey legs. We've had many generations now and the pullets are usually buff colored. The cockerels usually have stripes down their backs like a mallard duckling. Mama Goldie who is about four years old showed up today with 4 solid black chicks! We've never had any before. Which breeds produce solid black chicks? Sorry I don't have a photo but Mama is a flogger. I didn't see the eggs either because she hides them. This looks like a great board. Any help will be appreciated.

 

[andehens]

My neighbors have a semi feral flock, that started out as banty games, and they have little black chickies! The pullets are black with brown heads and hackles and the roosters look like game roosters.

 

[TylaMac]

Thanks for replying. These chicks are not bantys but standard size. They are obviously all game breeds and they seem to be reverting back to their wild jungle fowl state. The latest generation of roosters have slate grey legs and crow more like a wild fowl than domestic roosters. This new brood has four black including thir legs and beaks and four buffs. It'll be interesting to see what they look like when they lose their baby feathers. I'm glad to have found this great forum.

 

[andehens]

Theres a lot of information and pictures of several breeds here! I drool over the coops! In no time, everybody will have you obsessed with getting out there and catching those wild birds! ha, ha! actually, that is what I would probably do!

 

[TylaMac]

I've had to catch a few that got sick or hurt but it was very difficult. They refuse to be cooped up. They sure know how to demand food as soon as the sun comes up though! They get testy if you don't feed them on time. The hens are extremely broody and will not give up their eggs. They hide them in the woods. We've never been able to get even one egg in all these years. The roosters stake out their own little territories. They will guard the hens and their clutches and help raise the chicks. We were annoyed by them at first but now they're part of the family.