I recently hatched out 44 offspring, that are all either Aracauna, Australorp, or crossed with Australorp cockerel. Most of my hens are dark, feathered, and the Aracaunas are pretty easy to identify, by the puffy cheeks. The rest, should be offspring of our laying flock, which are Australorps, Basques, Jersey Giants, Barnevelders, Brown Leghorns, RIR's, and various red or black sex links.
I'm thinking that these white chicks, who are feathering out quite nicely, and look like they will be pure white, not Columbian patterned, might be Australorp crossed with Brown Leghorn, bringing out the white feather gene? Maybe?
I'm new at this. Maybe some of y'all can help. I do have some Delaware cross with New Hampshire pullets, but no signs that they've started laying yet. I guess it's conceivable they could have laid the eggs, but I really haven't thought they were laying yet.
I'm thinking that these white chicks, who are feathering out quite nicely, and look like they will be pure white, not Columbian patterned, might be Australorp crossed with Brown Leghorn, bringing out the white feather gene? Maybe?
I'm new at this. Maybe some of y'all can help. I do have some Delaware cross with New Hampshire pullets, but no signs that they've started laying yet. I guess it's conceivable they could have laid the eggs, but I really haven't thought they were laying yet.