2 x White Leghorns

stevemeck

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Hi there,
My first post on BYC!

We have hatched from eggs 2 white leghorns and would like some advice from the community as to whether they are male or female.

They are 16 weeks old now and very spritely. I've read up on comb size / colour, tail feathers etc, but to me our chickens aren't showing strong signs of any male or female traits. I'm sure to the experienced eye it's probably obvious! I can get better photos if required.

IMG_2826 3.jpg
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Any help will br greatly appreciated!
IMG_2832 2.jpg
 
Last edited:
Hi there,
My first post on BYC!

We have hatched from eggs 2 white leghorns and would like some advice from the community as to whether they are male or female.

They are 16 weeks old now and very spritely. I've read up on comb size / colour, tail feathers etc, but to me our chickens aren't showing strong signs of any male or female traits. I'm sure to the experienced eye it's probably obvious! I can get better photos if required.

Image can be found here:

https://ibb.co/vHwpKXt

Any help will br greatly appreciated!
Welcome to BYC! :welcome So glad you joined!
I think that they are both males, but here is an expert to help you out: @Overo Mare
 
Thanks very much Over Mare, I'm afraid we don't have anything earlier than this which was a little over 2 weeks ago...
View attachment 2951489
Those are some big combs, and it looks like they are starting to have saddle feathers.

Off topic, but is that a Cochin in the very right of the picture?
 
The others are a hybrid hen, branded Hy-Line. They're an ISA Brown type and have been AMAZING! The most friendly, productive hens we've had.
 
I just typed a whole reply, hit post, and it disappeared. :barnie


I asked for pics at that age because for me, it's easier to sex Leghorns early on. At 16 weeks old, both sexes will have huge combs. I have a hard time seeing saddles on white birds in photos, so I typically try to go by comb and wattle development. Can't do that with white Leghorns though for the reason I mentioned above.

They are not nearly as red as I'd expect cockerels to be. However, I believe I see saddles and their hackles sure look male-like.

@EmmaRainboe @The Moonshiner, input?
 
I just typed a whole reply, hit post, and it disappeared. :barnie


I asked for pics at that age because for me, it's easier to sex Leghorns early on. At 16 weeks old, both sexes will have huge combs. I have a hard time seeing saddles on white birds in photos, so I typically try to go by comb and wattle development. Can't do that with white Leghorns though for the reason I mentioned above.

They are not nearly as red as I'd expect cockerels to be. However, I believe I see saddles and their hackles sure look male-like.

@EmmaRainboe @The Moonshiner, input?
I see males. I’m 98% sure I see clear male saddles on both birds.
 

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