Welsummer vs Bielefelder Breed ID + Gender

[cmbretz]

We have two chicks that we ordered from Murray McMurrray Hatchery that my husband and I cannot quite determine breed on. They are part of a mixed flock we ordered with several breeds of all females (supposedly). We know these two should be a Welsummer and a Bielefelder, but cannot figure out who is who yet. We're also starting to wonder if our one is actually a male. Pictures are included below, with our Clove being green and Piper (who we're thinking might be male?) in red. I know we'll be able to get our answers eventually, but wanted to see if anyone has any ideas!

Birds the day they arrived:

About 1 - 2 weeks old:

3 weeks - Piper (red) - first to start developing a comb out of the entire group

3 weeks - Piper - shortest tail feathers of the group

3 weeks - Piper (red) & Clove (green)

3 weeks - Clove (green)

3 weeks - Clove

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I've had both and my gut says green is Biele and red is Welsummer. Both are female. Pretty chicks!

 

[JedJackson]

My opinion is that neither of them is a Welsumer or Beilefelder. I'm seeing green legs on one, and neither has a salmon breast, which females from both breeds should have. I suspect they are some type of Easter egger, and I think Piper is probably a cockerel. Others will probably have different opinions, so stay tuned.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

My opinion is that neither of them is a Welsumer or Beilefelder. I'm seeing green legs on one, and neither has a salmon breast, which females from both breeds should have. I suspect they are some type of Easter egger, and I think Piper is probably a cockerel. Others will probably have different opinions, so stay tuned.

Oh dear.

 

[JedJackson]

More points of view on this would help. @Rhodebar Lover @Overo Mare @Gray Farms

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

My opinion is that neither of them is a Welsumer or Beilefelder. I'm seeing green legs on one, and neither has a salmon breast, which females from both breeds should have. I suspect they are some type of Easter egger, and I think Piper is probably a cockerel. Others will probably have different opinions, so stay tuned.

Maybe not perfect coloring aside, since they are autosexing, wouldn't both birds have looked much different at hatch if she were a he? There's also dark chest feathers coming in.

 

[My Three Chicks]

I think Clove (cute name!) may be a Bielefelder. Clearer pic may help so we can see coloring better.

If it helps I'm raising a Beile right now who is 5 weeks old. Here are pics of her at 3 weeks. See her lighter chest feathers and yellow legs.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

I think Clove (cute name!) may be a Bielefelder. Clearer pic may help so we can see coloring better.

If it helps I'm raising a Beile right now who is 5 weeks old. Here are pics of her at 3 weeks. See her lighter chest feathers and yellow legs.

I agree! Mine are just barely two weeks.

 

[cmbretz]

Here are some slightly clearer pictures from the front I just took.

Piper (red):

Clove (green):

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

Oh neat! One second...

These girls are two of my Welsummers from last year. Notice the redder, simpler chest feathers coming in, vs the slightly light red, barred chest feathers on the Bieles.