Stupid question, I know but…

[MysteryChicken]

Interesting. I didn’t know this. I’m no expert on either breed, just guessing based on the birds I have. My lavender orp has dark legs, and (I’m pretty sure) dark soles. Her legs are very thick, almost rooster-ish. My lavender Wyandotte has yellow legs and what looks like an interesting metallic overspray on them.

Here are photos of Willow the lavender Orp similar in age to OP’s birds and again as a mature hen. Last image shows Goose the lavender Wyandotte. Hard to make out the interesting color on her legs. View attachment 4092080View attachment 4092082View attachment 4092085

Your Lavender Orpington does have white/pink feet bottoms, just don't show as clearly in the adult picture.

 

[BlueDawnRising]

I’m going to say that Bo is a lavender Orp and Peep I’m unsure of. Bo has a traditional straight comb and dark legs. Gender is suspicious, but I’m leaning pullet at 12 weeks.

Peep doesn’t look to be either breed. A lavender Orp has dark legs. Wyandotte would be yellow. What color are the soles of peep’s feet? She looks to be dark over white from the pics but hard to tell for sure.

Orp has straight comb and Wyandotte rose. Peep’s comb looks straight but a little misshapen. Peep looks like a pullet to me. If she is, her eggs might add another clue to the puzzle.

Peep has dark legs too but more pink between her toes than Bo has. I haven’t looked at the soles of their feet, will do that when I’m out there tomorrow. Can you explain “dark over white?” I’m new to all of this. But can try to get a better picture tomorrow of what you are looking for there if I understand what you mean. Thank you! I appreciate your insight!

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Peep has Dark Legs. Orpingtons usually have pink feet pads due to them being white shanked.

Shank being the lower part of the leg?

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Interesting. I didn’t know this. I’m no expert on either breed, just guessing based on the birds I have. My lavender orp has dark legs, and (I’m pretty sure) dark soles. Her legs are very thick, almost rooster-ish. My lavender Wyandotte has yellow legs and what looks like an interesting metallic overspray on them.

Here are photos of Willow the lavender Orp similar in age to OP’s birds and again as a mature hen. Last image shows Goose the lavender Wyandotte. Hard to make out the interesting color on her legs. View attachment 4092080View attachment 4092082View attachment 4092085

I don’t think either of mine have yellow on their legs/feet but the “metallic overspray” statement really describes Peep’s coloration. Bo doesn’t have as much pink showing as Peep. I will get pictures tomorrow. I do hope they grow up as beautiful as yours!

 

[BlueDawnRising]

And by the way - there are no stupid questions. This is why there is a whole section for questions of this type.

Thank you! It feels so silly to ask if they are the same. I appreciate your reassurance!

 

[MysteryChicken]

Shank being the lower part of the leg?

Shank is the scaled section of leg, yes.

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Shank is the scaled section of leg, yes.

Thank you! I am learning so much from all of you!

 

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

Your Lavender Orpington does have white/pink feet bottoms, just don't show as clearly in the adult picture.

Now you have me very curious. I’m going to have to look at the bottoms of her feet now.

 

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

Can you explain “dark over white?” I’m new to all of this. But can try to get a better picture tomorrow of what you are looking for there if I understand what you mean.

@MysteryChicken is far more knowledgeable about genetics than I am. But as I understand it birds have only 2 leg color: black and white. But then a second color gets added, sort of overtop of the base color. Therefore a chicken with white legs (shanks) will have white soles, even if a dark color had been “added” and they appear to have dark legs. A bird with true black legs will have black soles.

Thank you! I appreciate your insight!

You’re welcome. I’m glad you asked your question because I am learning new things, too. I find chicken genetics to be both fascinating as well as overwhelmingly mind-boggling .

 

[BlueDawnRising]

@MysteryChicken is far more knowledgeable about genetics than I am. But as I understand it birds have only 2 leg color: black and white. But then a second color gets added, sort of overtop of the base color. Therefore a chicken with white legs (shanks) will have white soles, even if a dark color had been “added” and they appear to have dark legs. A bird with true black legs will have black soles.


You’re welcome. I’m glad you asked your question because I am learning new things, too. I find chicken genetics to be both fascinating as well as overwhelmingly mind-boggling .

Thank you for the explanation…I am learning so much here!

I felt ridiculous asking because they look so similar but with the invoice listing them as different breeds, I thought I might be missing something. It is all new enough to me that I find it all mind boggling!