22 week old "mystery" -- Sparring pullet or another cockerel?

[TropicalChickies]

Hi folks, I have two 21 week old chicks, both hatched here on our farm. One of them, named Paco, is no mystery. He had saddle feathers and a long tail at 10 weeks, started crowing at 12 weeks, trying mount the hens at 16 weeks, and now has a steady girlfriend laying eggs in a clutch. Looks like he'll be a papa soon, precocious little guy. He's the black and white painted fella.

All the other pics are "Lucy" -- the mystery chick.

Here's why I was sure Lucy was a pullet:
1. Does not crow, never has.
2. Does not mount the hens
3. Holds body horizontal, chest pointing down
4. Feet appear to be fading in color, not as yellow as Paco's.

But when I see "her' fighting with Paco, I just don't know... She challenges him just as often as he challenges her. Her hackles go up and they fly at each other, totally like cockerels.

Maybe because she is older by a day she wants to dominate? And "she" is pretty big, but the eggs came from a neighbor and our broody sat on them so I have no idea what mix of breeds they are.

I took some close up pics of "her" neck and saddle feathers. For the past couple days I'm thinking they are looking more pointy...?

I'm stumped. What do you folks think?

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

He is without a doubt a cockerel

 

[SeabassSarmale]

He is without a doubt a cockerel

X2 Very noticeable saddle feathers on his back!

 

[TropicalChickies]

He is without a doubt a cockerel

Which one? The black and white one is obviously. He crows and mates. The yellow/white one does not crow or mate. Just fights.

 

[SeabassSarmale]

Which one? The black and white one is obviously. He crows and mates. The yellow/white one does not crow or mate. Just fights.

Both of them are both males!

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Which one? The black and white one is obviously. He crows and mates. The yellow/white one does not crow or mate. Just fights.

Both are extremely obvious cockerels. They have pointed saddles and male specific coloring. The less-dominant of the cockerels will often have delayed onset of sexual signals because of the dominant brother

 

[TropicalChickies]

X2 Very noticeable saddle feathers on his back

Both of them are both males!

Yeah, that's what I was thinking... Why does only the black one crow? And only the black one mates?

 

[TropicalChickies]

Both are extremely obvious cockerels. They have pointed saddles and male specific coloring. The less-dominant of the cockerels will often have delayed onset of sexual signals because of the dominant brother

Ok, that makes sense. I was thinking that could be the case Thanks.

 

[TropicalChickies]

I guess I need to get more hens. I only have six, and the older ones want no part of Paco. They kick his butt when he tries to mount them. I hope they sort out the fighting, I'd like to keep them both.

 

[Mrs. K]

Good grief, I am glad that I am not the only one. Two summers ago, I had a black pullet for months - never crowed, did not stand up... one day, I am thinking - when are you going to lay some eggs, and took a good look. Yep, a late blooming cockerel. I have had chickens for DECADES!

Mrs K