What breed is our free chick from mcmurray ?

[popsicle]

You know, I didn't even notice the legs. But to be fair, I have gotten a couple of blue-legged Silver Duckwings from Murray McMurray. lol

Silver Duckwing is a color. Silver Phoenix are Silver Duckwing colored just like Silver Duckwing Old English Game Bantams.

Were the rest of the chicks ordered bantams or large fowl? If LF, I'd bet he's a Phoenix. Seems weird to send a bantam with an order of LF, and LF Phoenix chicks are quite a bit smaller than dual purpose chicks.

 

[sararoni]

Silver Duckwing is a color.  Silver Phoenix are Silver Duckwing colored just like Silver Duckwing Old English Game Bantams.  

Were the rest of the chicks ordered bantams or large fowl?  If LF, I'd bet he's a Phoenix.  Seems weird to send a bantam with an order of LF, and LF Phoenix chicks are quite a bit smaller than dual purpose chicks.

The other 15 chucks were all full size hens, including 4 jersey giants and this little guy was so tiny.
If I kept him he might not even be able to fertilize their eggs.
So I am leaning towards rehoming him. If he is a Phoenix would he be able to make it outside in zone 5 winters?

 

[popsicle]

He'll be fine. I believe they are called Phoenix after the mythical creature; not after Phoenix, AZ. Yes, I know the websites say "poor" cold hardiness--though I believe it probably has a lot to do with the fancy feathering. His comb will be susceptible to frostbite, but not any more than any other single combed cockerel. I had a Golden Phoenix hen here in cold, windy Montana and she did fine.

 

[sararoni]

He'll be fine.  I believe they are called Phoenix after the mythical creature; not after Phoenix, AZ.  Yes, I know the websites say "poor" cold hardiness--though I believe it probably has a lot to do with the fancy feathering.  His comb will be susceptible to frostbite, but not any more than any other single combed cockerel.  I had a Golden Phoenix hen here in cold, windy Montana and she did fine.

So is he for sure a silver phoenix or should we wait for him to feather out some more?
Also is he a bantam or they are usually smaller size birds. If he is not a bantam he might be able to mate the full size hens.
Lastly what are their personalities normally as we have little kids and I cant keep an aggressive rooster...

 

[Bill Matthews]

McMurray Hatchry people are real pros....They would never send a bantam alone in a box of large size chicks.....Also, have never heard of them using any bantams as mystery chicks...If anyone lives in a rooster prohibited zone tell them to mark your order NO MYSTERY CHICK....I used "never" twice here, but I am sure "never" has occurred........From pics hard to tell breed...Someone with experience breeding Phoenix and Games could tell if he/she sees this...Good luck...Really cute chick!...Aren't they all, even frizzles and Turkens.....

 

[sararoni]

McMurray Hatchry people are real pros....They would never send a bantam alone in a box of large size chicks.....Also, have never heard of them using any bantams as mystery chicks...If anyone lives in a rooster prohibited zone tell them to mark your order NO MYSTERY CHICK....I used "never" twice here, but I am sure "never" has occurred........From pics hard to tell breed...Someone with experience breeding Phoenix and Games could tell if he/she sees this...Good luck...Really cute chick!...Aren't they all, even frizzles and Turkens.....

I called them after receiving the chicks and asked if the mystery chick would be a cold hardy breed for here in Chicago. They said they have a box of a specific breed every week and just grab a chick and put him in the box to be shipped that day. They don't check where the box is going or what kind of chicks are in it.
So the mystery chick thing is not a well thought surprise but more like a puzzle for us to play with.
It serves a purpose though you go through many rare, exotic breeds trying to guess what it is and some of those breeds might make it to your next order...
I had never heard of many of these breeds before and they are all gorgeous.
They should call it mystery trouble...

 

[Rowsdower]

Silver Duckwing is a color. Silver Phoenix are Silver Duckwing colored just like Silver Duckwing Old English Game Bantams.

I am aware, poor wording. lol If you'll go back to the beginning of the thread, you will see that I specifically guessed silver duckwing OEGB.

 

[popsicle]

McMurray Hatchry people are real pros....They would never send a bantam alone in a box of large size chicks.....Also, have never heard of them using any bantams as mystery chicks...If anyone lives in a rooster prohibited zone tell them to mark your order NO MYSTERY CHICK....I used "never" twice here, but I am sure "never" has occurred........From pics hard to tell breed...Someone with experience breeding Phoenix and Games could tell if he/she sees this...Good luck...Really cute chick!...Aren't they all, even frizzles and Turkens.....

For the reason above and the blue feet, I think you can safely assume the bird is a Silver Phoenix. McMurray does not have large fowl Old English Games, and any other silver duckwing large fowl they have would have yellow or white legs.

 

[sararoni]

I think that is good news popsicle. I posted his picture on a silver phoenix thread earlier to confirm but haven't heard yet from them.
If he is not a very loud rooster I will try to keep him with our 15 backyard hens. I hope we can teach him not o be aggressive with us

 

[sararoni]

It looks like he is growing some red/Cooper feathers around the neck/shoulders and top of the head.
Does this make him a golden phoenix Or could he be an oeg?