What the heck are these chicks???

[Ashemichelle]

This is Peep and Super Chick, both purchased from TSC when they were 2 days old as "cuckoo marans." They are now 3.5 weeks old.

I am very skeptical that they are actually marans based on what I've seen and read about marans as chicks.

I'm thinking maybe blue australorp or maybe sapphire gem? In just the last day or so, one of them has started getting black feathers on their head. I'm new to this, what do you think?

Also, they were supposed to be hens but I'm thinking Super Chick (the one with the more yellowish and prominent comb) is actually a he, which is fine, but knowing sooner rather than later would be great

 

[ChickNanny13]

Agree not Cuckoo Marans ... TSC gets their chicks from Hoover & employees not very knowledgeable about the breeds, best to "investigate" yourself ... https://www.hoovershatchery.com/baby-chicks.html.

 

[Ashemichelle]

Agree not Cuckoo Marans ... TSC gets their chicks from Hoover & employees not very knowledgeable about the breeds, best to "investigate" yourself ... https://www.hoovershatchery.com/baby-chicks.html.

Thanks for the link! I've been investigating for about a week or 2 and just haven't been able to figure it out because there are a few breeds that are very similar looking at this stage, or it seems everything seems "right" until I get to the legs which are a totally different color, or developmentally the timeline is different. I was hoping to gain insight from those more experienced than myself or who have what seems to be the same breed.

 

[loyalcrowlist]

They're beautiful! If they're from Hoover's, could they be Sapphire Gems or Midnight Majesty Marans?

 

[ChickNanny13]

They're beautiful! If they're from Hoover's, could they be Sapphire Gems or Midnight Majesty Marans?

More likely Sapphire Gems, no feathered legs/feet

 

[janiedoe]

They could be blue cuckoo marans from what I've read the blue "cuckoo" marans are not always barred. Our local tractor supply stores sometimes get chicks from other hatcheries, usually Ideal in Texas.
Ideal has blue cuckoo marans which are clean legged. They also have blue australorps. Maybe you'll be able to tall when they get a little older.
Whatever they are, they are cute.