Last May I got a dozen, 2 week old dual purpose slow growth and a half dozen 5 week old barred rocks from Freys hatchery. In September I also got 6 RTL barred rocks from Freys.
It could be all in my head, but there is CLEARLY, to me, a difference in the birds. Although they are the same size etc., I can instantly tell who my 6 later arrivals are. The later 6: Their tail feathers aren't together nicely, their legs are white or creamy coloured and one even has curly toes. They look a lot different than the ones I raised from youngsters. Even their feathers don't see to have the same depth to their colouring. Some have had their beaks grow back, but a few haven't and I think because they were cut so short. (I'll never order RTL's again. Pulls at my heart each time I look at them
) in general they look rough, not as well taken care of as my other girls. But they're all taken care of the same. I call them the ghetto gang which much love as I say it :)My other rocks that i recieved as 5 week olds, have wonderful tail feathers and what I think is better 'Barred Rock' colouring, more of them have yellowish legs, nicer combs and none have curly fries for toes.
The 6 that arrived as RTL's are also more skittish and although still very friendly, but not willing to eat out of your hand like my other girls.
Is it all in my head or can the feed provided and environment have a physical influence on them as they grow?
Hopefully that will reflect in their appearance eventually.