Subtle Differences

Here are the two chicks that were "surprise" hatches earlier this week. They are both part Red Frizzle Bantam (Little Buddy) and part Buff Silkie (don't know which of the three hens though). They do look a LOT alike, but there are slight differences.

The chick on the left was the first one to hatch. She (I'm optimistic!) has feathered legs and only four toes (normal) like her father, Little Buddy, but she has more of a head crown (poofy head feathers) like her mother, who is a Silkie.

The chick on the right was the second one to hatch. She (I'm optimistic!) also has feathered legs like her father, Little Buddy, but she also has the extra toe that is a characteristic of the Silkie breed (she got that from her mother). This chick doesn't have as much of a head crown though. Neither of them have the black skin that is a characteristic of the Silkie breed.

I think mixed breed chicks are so interesting ... especially when you KNOW what the two breeds are that created the mix!

We had an egg in the incubator pip (start to hatch) yesterday, but it didn't make it. I'm really disappointed, too... I really wanted that specific breed cross (Pippy a buff polish + Little Buddy a red frizzle bantam). Another chick pipped this morning, and is still working on hatching. It will be exciting to see what kind of cross it is! I'm waiting for four other chicks to pip today, too. Cross your fingers they do well!

Update: Another egg has pipped!! Come on BABIES!

Comments

[Erika M]

I'm so loving the chick pictures!

[Charlene Merrick]

What precious little furbabies, and another interesting lesson about farm animals! Spectacular photography!

[Robb_eeie]

Hi Anna ~ The new babies are adorable :) It's totally neat how different each one is with and all the different feathers, crowns, toes, etc. And I also LOVE how you edit your photos with arrows .....

Is there a chance you can "display" what a milk beak looks like ~ I know you've talked about it, and referred to it falling off after a certain amount of time?? Ya know, I have to understand all these things now, THANKS to you =)

[Cindy H.]

Well, this is just so much fun! These little chicks are just so cute and I'm learning such interesting things about them:)

The closest I can get to the excitement you are having is that the Chickadees that have nested in a birdhouse in our back yard have hatched and should be ready to fledge very soon. Actually, one did yesterday but I think he was a bit premature on his escape. I'm hoping he survives. The parents are still diligently feeding and cleaning up after the others still in the nest. They're so fun to watch.

[Viv (VivLyn)]

They are so sweet! I had no idea about differences in toes on chickens! Very interesting!!

[Donelda]

Hi! I am a off and on visitor of your blog. I come to look at your cards (which are awesome) and I stay to hear all about your farm animals!! Heheheh!! I love all your stories and pictures so much! I'm not much of a farm girl (lived in towns and cities my whole life) so you've taught me SO much about chicks and farm life!! I was first taken with your little frizzle guy - when you made him the coat to keep warm!! I laughed so hard!!! I will continue to drop in to hear how everyone is doing!! I feel like your animals are friends!!!

[Shellie Daniel]

Are those toes interesting?! I had no idea that there were so many structural differences in varieties of chickens. Love the soft feathers down the side of their legs.

[Ann Lind]

You are so lucky to live on a farm. They would all be lap sitters if I lived there. You will have to post pictures of the new hatches. TFS Ann Lind

[Randee E]

So cute! Love these fuzzy little critters!

[Carol Dee]

How Fun and Exciting it is to wait and watch as the babies hatch! Have a great weekend. We can't wait to see what else you will be adding to you menagerie !