what age can you tell quality of bird by feathers?

[Western North Carolina]

My chicks are about 3 weeks old. I'm noticing some of the wcb polish have a lot of white in wing feathers. Also wondering when silver laced polish get the silver laced look in their feathers. Is it too early to tell, or did I get pretty bad quality. I mean, I expected it somewhat because I ordered from a hatchery, but just want to be sure I'm not jumping the gun. Here are some pics of the wcb and silver lace. Is it normal to get a few like this?

 

[ronott1]

If Polish are like Australorps, there can be white feathers up to the adult molt.

I imagine you need to wait until then--like 22 weeks old or so

 

[EggWalrus]

Are they pure breds? Ain't no dang telling!
But they are pretty cute and I'd love to have them if you don't want to feed and keep them.

 

[sylviethecochin]

You can't tell until at least after the second moult, even with simple patterns, like barring. Lacing never looks like lacing until all of a sudden, it does.

And agreed with Ronott on the white wing feathers. The bird will almost certainly grow out of it. Black birds almost always have white wing-feathers at first.

 

[Western North Carolina]

ok, thanks. Was thinking it may have houdan or mottle genes or something. Also, to be clear, in response to a different comment, just because I have a bird that doesn't have the feathers I expected, doesn't mean I would stop feeding it. Worst case scenario would give to a good home if it had a really bad personality, but I love my birds. Was just questioning what the hatchery sent because a lot of people talk about how birds from hatcheries are not purebred and are bad quality. If it is my pet and it is a good bird, I could care less. I don't do shows or meddle in snobbery. Will only give some away if i get too many roos and only to a good home with secure, decent housing. However, I will be picky if I breed any. That's all.

 

[EggWalrus]

ok, thanks. Was thinking it may have houdan or mottle genes or something. Also, to be clear, in response to a different comment, just because I have a bird that doesn't have the feathers I expected, doesn't mean I would stop feeding it. Worst case scenario would give to a good home if it had a really bad personality, but I love my birds. Was just questioning what the hatchery sent because a lot of people talk about how birds from hatcheries are not purebred and are bad quality. If it is my pet and it is a good bird, I could care less. I don't do shows or meddle in snobbery. Will only give some away if i get too many roos and only to a good home with secure, decent housing. However, I will be picky if I breed any. That's all.

I didn't mean to offend you. I was trying to give you a compliment on your beautiful birds. I apologize if I came across wrongly towards you. That was certainly not my intentions.