Now I say this very hesitantly but I think hens of either cross are usually fairly light in color with very little light barring. I’m very very hesitant to say this though sine I’ve never owned either cross and have only seen pictures. The fact that the rooster is a cross also complicates things...
Uh oh. I’m not sure about the Brahma genes but I know that buff Orpington x BR hen are supposed to be sex-linked. Which would mean these are cockerels. What type of Brahma was it?
It looks possible. I wouldn’t say for sure yet. A few of my BR hens had some pretty early comb growth. I do think the one in t be last pic is a cockerel though.
Male mixes aren’t usually lighter colored though there may be exceptions I don’t know about.