Chicken ID (long w/pics)

18 years ago

Our neighbors have chickens (4 hens and 1 rooster) that spend probably 50% of their day at our house, we really enjoy them. 3 or 4 months ago we noticed a 5th hen with the group...she did not look like the other hens, she was built more like the rooster and was not rounded like the other hens we even thought she might be a young rooster (not knowing much about chickens). She also was not friendly at all, she was pretty much scared of us and would not come when we threw down scratch grains for the other chickens. After about a month we did not see her with the chickens so we thought something had happened to her, then we would see her by herself and she would disappear again. Well, about 3 weeks ago out from our shed came this chicken with 6 peeps.....so much for speculation on hen vs. rooster. She is very protective of the chicks (hence the crappy pics attached) and still does not come when you throw feed down. I brought home some start and grow for the chicks and they are eating some of it but prefer to scratch around for bugs and stuff. They also eat the birdseed I throw out for the other wild birds. Is it possible that she is wild and this is the reason she is not friendly. I thought that once the chicks got older she would take them home (home with the other chickens) but everyone I have talked to at the feed store where I work for has told me that they consider our house home now. How can I friendly her up a little. Can anyone tell by my stinko pictures what kind of chicken she is, maybe her breed is more standoffish? Any input would be appreciated. Either way, the peeps are adorable (my favorite is the one with the racing stripe). We are down to 5 chicks now. They are living in our shed behind some plywood leaning against the wall. If they stay, I will ask DH to clean out this shed (unfortunately it is next to my garage in my front yard) and try to set up something for them there or is it possible to get them to move back to the barn behind the house. Here are a few pics.

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Comments (10)

jimdaz
18 years ago
What a neat looking group. I am no expert at chickens, but the hen looks like my Americanas. I have taken in chickens that are very skittish, and run from me. I found that containing them in a smaller area helps in taming them. There is room for them to get away from me, and watch at a little distance. Make sure they know you are the feeder, and not a threat. I would go in their area several times a day. And took treats. Watermelon, and Armenian Cucumbers are in season here right now, cheap, and often free - especially the cukes. Chickens love them. I would show them the treats, and leave. Wasn't long before they came up and began eating out of my hand. Now they come running when they see me. I would go easy on treats for the chicks, but get Momma looking forward to them! Best of luck.
erinluchsinger
18 years ago
I think she's a red sex link, but I'm not sure how large she in from the pics. Sex Links tend to be a bit on the larger end of the chicken spectrum.
Keep feeding treats and always say the same thing when you are feeding them treats. I always yelled "here chick chick chicky". Worked like a charm everytime. My friend all joked that I was the "chicken whisperer". Keep that up and she'll possibly come around. They LOVE table scraps. Especially pop corn and macaroni and cheese (or at least mine did!).
Sex links tend to be pretty docile by nature, but anything can be wild if it isn't handled very much. Nature vs. nurture.
Enjoy them!
Erin
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Dudleya
18 years ago
Dighappy,
She is a mixed breed. There is 'some' Ameraucana in her, at least similarities, but the larger comb speaks to other things in the ole gene pool. Could be kindest to call her an Easter Egger but would need to see what color her eggs are.
And yes, your yard is her home now. It will take time but you can get them to want you around.
Have fun,
Brian
velvet_sparrow
18 years ago
What you have here is a family of Blurred chickens. The Blurred birds are thought to be quite rare, but in actuality are far more common than most people think. Nearly all poultry fanciers have at least ONE photo of a Blurred chicken. Your photos are exemplary because not ONLY do they capture a fine example of a Blurred hen, but also her Blurred offspring!

:)

Velvet ~:>
sullicorbitt
18 years ago
I also vote americana mix for the hen, what color are her legs? that is usually indicative of an easter egger. My americanas are a bit standoffish by nature but will fight their own inhabitions to take a treat from my hand from time to time and these were hand raised. I think if you just give her some time she will grow to trust you she obviously has chosen you for a reason :) what a fine family they are! please keep us posted.

-Sheila
dighappy
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks for your responses....I took a few slices of potato bread that I broke up into little pieces out today and they loved it. Mommy is still scared to death of me. I noticed that one of the chicks is already growing a comb (terminology correct? that red thingy on her/his head). Is this any indication of which sex it is? How early will I be able to tell which are hens or roosters? I did take a look on feathersite at the americana's and red sex link and I have no idea what she might be....she looks like both. I think that Velvet might be right and I have a rare hardly ever seen in captivity blurred chicken family. (I also have the rare blurred horse, cats, goats and dog on premises.) Maybe she is a mix of all or something else (heinz 57) as Brian suggested. The chicks are growing so quick I will try to get a few clearer pics of them (and mommy) to post.
chickenmama1
18 years ago
She is just darling. So are her babies. I just love them. Thanks for putting photo's here. :)
granjerito
18 years ago
Too funny Velvet Sparrow!! I believe I have seen photos of these Blurred birds before myself, but I've never seen them in person.....
erinluchsinger
18 years ago
Granjerito, You just haven't drank enough while chicken watching! The #1 redneck spectator sport here in the North East!
undercover_owl
18 years ago
Those are "mixed breed" chickens, "blurred" if you will, LOL. I'd guess they are part Ameraucana, part Red-something. Cute!

This sounds gross, but, try feeding her hot dog bits or bologna. Chickens are omnivores, and their food preference is sort of like little kids': hot dogs, top ramen, mac-n-cheese. Ew, I know, but it's true.

Chicken ID (long w/pics)

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