Slate-legged parents --> Willow-legged chicks?

[Guest]

We have a Wheaten pair of Ameraucanas from which we\'ve hatched 2 chicks (male & female). They were born with orange-ish legs (which is normal for Wheatens, of course). Now they are about 2 weeks old and their legs are looking quite green. This is only my second year raising Wheatens & I\'m not sure if this is a normal color phase on the way to the final slate color, or if it would be possible that both parents carry recessive genes that result in willow legs. If that is possible, what are the % odds that some of their future chicks will have slate legs?
Thanks for any knowledge anyone can share.

[bantamhill]

This is just the next color phase for wheaten chicks. Don\'t panic for several months on leg color or plummage for that matter. Wheaten and blue wheaten go through multiple phases and it is best to not cull or evaluate until 5-6 months or later.

Michael

[Mike Gilbert]

It is possible for two slate shanked parents to produce willow shanked progeny, but you will not be able to evaluate shank color in these varieties until they are about six weeks or more old.   Both parents would have to be carriers of the recessive gene that produces yellow pigment in the epidermis of the skin in order for that to occur.   Don\'t panic - have patience.

[Guest]

Just wanted to post a thanks for helping allay our earlier concern. The chicks from our breeding pair have matured to have nice SLATE legs. Yay! Thanks again for your reassuring counsel