Difference between Buff Orp & Buff Rock?

[moenmitz]

I have narrowed down the identities of all of my McMurray mystery chicks-save for the yellow fellows. Because this was a batch of their mixed heavies, they could only possibly be Buff Orpingtons or Buff Rocks-but, how do I tell the difference? I can't find my camera, so cant post a pic, which I am sure would be helpful...lol

 

[tiki244]

The Orpingtons should be wider in the body, appear to have shorter legs because of the fluff, and have more loose feathering than the rocks. If they are all the same breed (ie:all buff rocks) then it is going to be pretty hard for you to identify.

I think Orpingtons have a more curved back to tail up than the rocks. The Orps toes or feet may be turning a lighter color by now. How old are they.

 

[12 Acres]

The Rocks should have yellow legs, Orpingtons white. McMurray threw in one Buff Rock in my order of12 Orpingtons. My son noticed the difference when they reached 3 months of age. I never caught it! She's very "plucky" and energetic compared to the calmer Orpingtons. We named her Cheese Doodle!

Here she is next to my Barred Rock roo. Notice their legs are both yellow. If you can't see the photo, click here: http://twelveacres.blogspot.com/2008/07/good-morning-chickens.html

 

[moenmitz]

They are 7.5 weeks- going out to check the leg color right now. Is it something that changes as they age, or would they be yellow (or white) right from the beginning? Thanks!

 

[BearSwampChick]

I was supposed to have 2 Buff Orps and ended up with one of them being a Buff Rock. They look identical except for the legs. I can't really tell any difference in their feathering.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Buff Orpingtons hatch with white or pinkish white legs...

 

[moenmitz]

Ok, these guys all have BRIGHT yellow legs, like Big Bird! Guess we can definitely say they are Buff Rocks then! Thanks a bunch everybody!

 

[MissPrissy]

Buff rocks are nice too. You'll get lovely big brown eggs from those golden girls.

 

[chicksinthemachine]

I have a 2 year old BR and she is wonderful and winter hardy one a day. She is soo sweet loves to be with the humans around here especially when the kids have food LOL! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do ours.

 

[PaintedMeadows]

I think the same thing happened to us. My daughter noticed today that one of our 5 week old buff orps has really yellow legs! I am really hoping it is a pullet. The roos are getting quite red with bigger combs and hanging wattles but this one is slightly pink and small. I will try to get pictures. Very neat!!