What’s up with this chick’s coloring?

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

I hatched this mixed chick who is nearly 4 weeks old. I don’t have Ayem Cemani or any black combed breeds. Anytime I’ve hatched a chick with a black comb, it begins to lighten within a few days. But this one has stayed dark.

Dad is a Orpington x Rhode Island Blue ( or Blue Rock). I know these blue birds aren’t purebred, but none of the breeds that they’re derived from have black combs (that I’m aware of). Mom is silver-laced Wyandotte.

The first 2 close up pics are the best representation of her coloring. The pic where she’s doing her ostrich pose makes her look lighter than she is.

Curious if you think her comb will remain dark or turn light in time. Also curious if you want to guess at gender. I’m leaning female

 

[MysteryChicken]

Pictures of the parents? Chick appears to have a walnut comb.

 

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

@MysteryChicken I assumed it was a rose comb from the Wyandotte mama, but I don’t really know.

Daddy Charcoal

Mama Morticia:

 

[MysteryChicken]

@MysteryChicken I assumed it was a rose comb from the Wyandotte mama, but I don’t really know.

Daddy CharcoalView attachment 3550968

Mama Morticia:
View attachment 3550970

Pictures were hard to tell of what comb type the chick actually has.

I believe what you're seeing is just extra Melanizers effecting the face pigmentation. Sometimes it goes away, sometimes it stays. It's common in Extended black type colors, such as Black, & Birchen.

 

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

I believe what you're seeing is just extra Melanizers effecting the face pigmentation. Sometimes it goes away, sometimes it stays. It's common in Extended black type colors, such as Black, & Birche.

I hope it stays. It’s a unique look.

 

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

For anyone who may be curious, Stevie Nick's comb did in fact turn red just in time for her first egg!

 

[Tstraub]

Thanks for the update. I always enjoy when people post the update months later. I remember reading this thread when you started it.