At 19 weeks I'd be about 98% sure that's a pullet. I can't be 100% sure because I'm terrible at identifying male saddle feathers on frizzled feathers, but I'd really expect a much brighter comb from a cockerel.
Do you actually know the parents (I'm playing either way but it's even more fun if I find out I'm right or way off base)? Looks like maybe one copy of dominant white (the dark feathers look black, which rules out splash). Buff breast feathers and white legs make me think orpington is in the mix.
It sounds like the wing needs to be amputated. Chickens are very good at self amputating things like toes and combs, but a whole wing would be a problem. Right now you're running the risk of her dying from sepsis from the rotting wing. The best option is a veterinarian. I can't say how...
Right now I don't see any obvious cockerels, but I can't see the first bird's saddle feathers well enough to see if there are male specific feathers coming in. The second bird is a pullet.
That was very helpful, thanks!
Thanks! Now I just gotta wrap my head around the nebulous idea of depth. Im assuming deep chested (like how some dog breeds are deep chested)?
To be honest I'm hoping to to both. I don't have a SOP yet though, and showing isn't even an option in my state this...
Agree, looks like an easter egger. The easter eggers sold as "americanas" might as well be their own breed at this point, just not a standardized or recognized one. Most of them have beards and muffs, but every once in a while the right birds are paired up to create a clean faced chick. One of...
Yeah, definitely wyandottes. My silver laced years ago was a little on the "snooty" side but not a terrible bully. The speckled Sussex we had at the time were not bothered by her in the least. My current wyandotte is sweet as can be, though not at all cuddly, and the bottom of the pecking order.
Definitely a blue! I looked back and it took me almost 2 full months before I was convinced my girl was blue and not black.
It also took her forever to feather in!
Yes, however, two copies of the frizzle gene is bad! It causes feathers to be extremely fragile, which results in breaking and a reduced ability to insulate against both heat and cold. It can mean the bird is more prone to sunburn. It frequently causes an enlarged heart and metabolic changes...
The first bird might actually be splash laced (looking at that large white spot on one of her feathers). The second one looks like a blue laced red, but might be splash too i can't tell. The last two definitely look splash to me.
Splash is an incredibly variable color, it can be almost...
12 week old malines cockerel culled for a valgus deformity. He was significantly smaller than the other birds from the start. Still dressed out at 2.2lbs (didn't get a live weight).
I have at least a dozen buckeye cockerels that need sorted and culled. Any tips on what to look for in keepers...
Agree that it looks like an Easter egger. Not sure on gender though. The vibe I'm getting is male, but I can't be sure. I want to say I'm seeing male saddle feathers, but the overall feather condition is poor enough it could just be an optical illusion. The comb is not quite as bright as I'd...
Definitely male. A pullet with a comb that big and red would be laying any day now. At 12 weeks, that chick's all boy. 12 weeks is when male specific feathering starts coming in, so a lack of pointy saddle feathers does not indicate gender in this case.