22 week old blue australorps

[SBFChickenGirl]

A definitive way to tell is saddle feathers, near the base of the tail. View attachment 2302208
Roosters have long waterfalls of pointy saddle feathers, and hens have short rounded ones.

I need to save this pic LOL.

 

[black_cat]

I need to save this pic LOL.

I have no idea of the original source, but it is very helpful lol

 

[SBFChickenGirl]

I have no idea of the original source, but it is very helpful lol

It is. Just saved it.

 

[BackyardDinoMom]

Combs are sometimes a good way to tell, but what you really want to look at is the feathers. Saddle feathers (right below the tail on the back half of the back) are wonderful gender indicators. Roosters have pointy shiny feathers while hens have rounded ones. Same goes with the hackle (neck) feathers. Roosters have pointy and hens have rounded.

Ooooohhhhhh I've been reading that instruction for identification super wrong this whole time. I was thinking it was describing how the feather lays on the chicken not how it was shaped

 

[BackyardDinoMom]

A definitive way to tell is saddle feathers, near the base of the tail. View attachment 2302208
Roosters have long waterfalls of pointy saddle feathers, and hens have short rounded ones.

You're a lifesaver. I never paid attention when we raised chickens when I was little so now I'm learning all sorts of details

 

[black_cat]

Ooooohhhhhh I've been reading that instruction for identification super wrong this whole time. I was thinking it was describing how the feather lays on the chicken not how it was shaped

Nope! It's the shape of the feathers. Chickens with penciling on their feathers can be tricky, but you can also tell because the saddle feathers are usually very shiny.

 

[black_cat]

You're a lifesaver. I never paid attention when we raised chickens when I was little so now I'm learning all sorts of details

No problem! I guess I'm considered 'little' as I"m still a minor raising chickens, but as it's me doing the raising I have to pay attention! I just hope I remember all of my chicken facts through college until a point I can actually have them on my own. (fun fact-did you know that feathers are high in protein?)

 

[BackyardDinoMom]

Nope! It's the shape of the feathers. Chickens with penciling on their feathers can be tricky, but you can also tell because the saddle feathers are usually very shiny.

Thank you for making that click!!! This has been a life changing discussion

 

[black_cat]

Thank you for making that click!!! This has been a life changing discussion

I'm glad that this has been helpful!

 

[chrissynemetz]

All of your birds pictured are beautiful pullets.