Java. the end.

[Javamama]

I grabbed these out of the bin marked "black australorps" at TSC. Yeah, I knew I was taking a chance They are 12 weeks old and I'm not sure. I'm not looking for show quality, just good layers, but these sure aren't the pretty australorps that I've seen in photos. The eye color is totally wrong. The body isn't right either. So what are they?

ETA: a quick search at BYC tells me that I got 'mutts' that Mt. Healthy is trying to pass off as BA's :/ I'm sticking with Meyer from now on.

photo with my spunky little banties

 

[BeccaOH]

I'd guess they are black sex-linked production layers - not Black Australorps. They should lay well at least.

 

[Javamama]

Thanks Becca. That's what I suspected. Then I did some reading at BYC and discovered M. Healthy is selling mutts labeled as BA's. That really irks me. Guess I'll have to wait until next year for some true BA's. The roos will be culled this weekend - they are huge!

 

[BeccaOH]

Mutts! How nice! We (QA and I) got some Mt. Healthy chicks last spring for the feed store sale. They all, including the BAs, seemed pure to breed.

One of my first chickens is a BA. She is pretty and BIG. She is broody right now, and lifting her to get to the eggs takes some muscle.

I've got LOTS of chicks and chickens for sale right now. How about some lovely 8 week old Buff Orpingtons or Rhode Island Reds? The Speckled Sussex are still barely feathered chicks, but they will be lovely layers. You need a drive into hill country, right? (FYI - I plan to take lots of birds to Mount Hope July 16.)

 

[Javamama]

Trade for a goat? Just kidding I have too many chickens right now and I only want a few black australorps, but they will have to wait until next year. Sigh, this stinks. I do need to sell this goat though...anybody need a goat? She's sweet.

 

[BeccaOH]

ACK! Not goats for me.

 

[Javamama]

(I'm totally kidding)

 

[ksalvagno]

Last year I got some chicks from TSC that were from Mt Healthy. I finally figured out that they were Leghorn mutts. I didn't mind since no one knew what they were anyway and they are great layers but if you are looking for purebreeds, that really isn't right to pass off something as a purebreed.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

The look kinda like black stars to me too.

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

ACK! Not goats for me.

And Java, you discovered how to chase off Becca!

I wish I could get your little goat! she's beautiful - I've already got 2, whats 1 more right??

I'll trade you 3 speckled sussex hens for her