Confusion about gender

[OldFrenchy]

I bought 3 Buff Orpingtons at about 15 weeks of age a month ago, so they are about 19 weeks old. I was assured they were hens, but recently in the last two weeks I have seen the rapid development of combs and wattles on 2 of my birds, as well as what I perceive to be saddle feathers.
I am a novice and not familiar with Buff Orpington development. Can anyone give me a definitive insight?


Pumpkin


Henrietta


Penny, on the right. See the difference between Pumpkin and Penny?

There is no crowing, and no egg laying as yet.
What do you think?
Thanks in advance!
OldFrenchy

 

[junebuggena]

The rapid comb development in a bird over 14 weeks old means that eggs are on their way. No thin, pointy, shiny male saddle feathers means they are girls.

 

[clickdb]

From what i've read on here, pullet combs and waddles start growing rapidly right before the point of lay. If they all looked like Penny until very recently, then chances are you are about to get eggs! No crowing is also a good sign.

Edit to add: I also have a Henrietta! i hope she turns out to be a pullet too!

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Their combs are becoming redder and redder because they are very close to laying age. The one with the smallest comb seems to be a slower to mature than the others

 

[enola]

All three are hens, pretty hens!

 

[OldFrenchy]

Relief!

Thanks for the input!