What breed are these?

[MinervaELS]

I got these pullets at Tractor Supply almost three weeks ago. I had gotten some white and brown sex links and mentioned to the employee that it would be nice to have some black ones too but I only wanted pullets (the black ones they had were straight run). She offered me some of the black pullets that they had just gotten in that were still in the back. When she gave the name she hesitated for a moment like she couldn't remember ("They aaaaare... Australorps.). Now that they are getting older I don't think that's right... they have a bunch of brown in their feathers.

So, what the heck are these?

Those two are the same chick, different angles. That one has the most brown.

Any thoughts? Now that I actually look at them and pay attention that last one looks different from the others. All where fluffy black things when younger, though some had white patches under their chins.

 

[JedJackson]

Probably black sex links and all female. Males of that cross would have barring in their plumage.

 

[MinervaELS]

Thanks! I had looked at black sex links but wouldn't you know, the one website I opened had a picture of light colored chicks attached so I wasn't sure. They must have had their pictures mixed up.

Is it normal for the black sex links to be so much smaller than the red and white sex links were at this age?

 

[JedJackson]

Thanks! I had looked at black sex links but wouldn't you know, the one website I opened had a picture of light colored chicks attached so I wasn't sure. They must have had their pictures mixed up.

Is it normal for the black sex links to be so much smaller than the red and white sex links were at this age?

No, if anything they should be larger but it could be they just develop more slowly. They look perfectly healthy so no need to worry.

 

[rebrascora]

They could also be Asian Blacks which are a relatively new hybrid.

 

[Chicken Girl1]

They could be Black sex-links or Asian Blacks. If they are BSLs then they are female.

 

[Poultrylord]

Campines maybe?

 

[drumstick diva]

They definitely are not Black Australorps- though they are cute as a button

 

[MinervaELS]

Thanks everyone! Wow, those campines are gorgeous. I will keep an eye on them and see how they develop. I'd imagine that they are black sex links since they were sold as pullets but who knows. Of course, now I'm eyeing the amberlink "pullets" and wondering if they're really all female.