6 week old Speckled Sussex

[#Midlifecrisis]

Hi! I am hoping the experts will help a chickee momma out. I have 2 6 week old speckled Sussex. 1 I am thinking may be a roo. Let me know what you think. This is Ginger (Rogers) who I am afraid may really be a Fred (Astaire).

Here is the 2 side by side. Tail feathers are different to me. Ginger is on the left.Here is

Here is Geode (my 10 year old son named her). Leaning toward girl. She's on the right above and by herself below.

Too early to tell?

 

[ChickNanny13]

Looking to be pullets, reading the feathering. Combs/wattles get pinkish/red when it's warm ... You don't have your location down so not sure on your climate area.

 

[#Midlifecrisis]

Looking to be pullets, reading the feathering. Combs/wattles get pinkish/red when it's warm ... You don't have your location down so not sure on your climate area.

We are in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Thanks for the reply!

 

[Trish1974]

I think I read another thread here recently that a lot of white on the chest of a SS meant either male or female... does anyone know which one it is and if that's even true? But heck I'm getting old...I could have imagined it!

 

[av8torcrj]

I'm kinda in the same boat with a set of Sussex just a tad younger than yours. I ordered 6 (4 pullets , 2 roo) from McMurray and received 5. They are thinking one jumped ship somewhere between here and Iowa. The box had a very slight amount of damage. Anyway, the one I'm thinking is a roo just seems "longer" in the body and tail, runs around with an "assertiveness" about him with his head somewhat lowered. I can't distinguish comb size difference much from the others yet either. The chest whiteness is fairly similar amongst the group too. All this being said, I'm kinda disappointed in them. I was drawn to the breed not only by their coloration but their supposed friendly demeanor. These are all very aloof and semi-flighty, not giving me the time of day with the exception of one that seems ok with being picked up. I received one with extra toes and one that is decidedly "runty", remaining 1/4 the size of the others. Probably just the nature of the perhaps over-bred foundation stock.
Good luck with yours. They look very promising.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

You have pullets

 

[Blooie]

Congrats, it's a girl!

This is my SS pair at just a few weeks old...just over 4 weeks old....and with the two of them it was so easy to tell right away. Left was the rooster, right was the pullet.

 

[PachecoPeeps]

I'm kinda in the same boat with a set of Sussex just a tad younger than yours. I ordered 6 (4 pullets , 2 roo) from McMurray and received 5. They are thinking one jumped ship somewhere between here and Iowa. The box had a very slight amount of damage. Anyway, the one I'm thinking is a roo just seems "longer" in the body and tail, runs around with an "assertiveness" about him with his head somewhat lowered. I can't distinguish comb size difference much from the others yet either. The chest whiteness is fairly similar amongst the group too. All this being said, I'm kinda disappointed in them. I was drawn to the breed not only by their coloration but their supposed friendly demeanor. These are all very aloof and semi-flighty, not giving me the time of day with the exception of one that seems ok with being picked up. I received one with extra toes and one that is decidedly "runty", remaining 1/4 the size of the others. Probably just the nature of the perhaps over-bred foundation stock.
Good luck with yours. They look very promising.

Most of the times pullets/hens will becoming nicer and friendlier the closer they are too laying/once they are laying. So give them time and they will warm up to you more. I felt the same way as you with my chicks when they were about 6-8 weeks but now that they are 16 weeks they are much friendlier. They will run up to me when I go outside and they will follow me around. They are easy to pick up and "pet". Good luck with your chicks.

 

[drumstick diva]

pullets

 

[JedJackson]

I think I read another thread here recently that a lot of white on the chest of a SS meant either male or female... does anyone know which one it is and if that's even true? But heck I'm getting old...I could have imagined it!

Lots of white on the breast is an indicator of a possible cockerel, but comb size and color are more reliable. However, this bird is just 6 weeks old, so even though it looks like a pullet now, things can still change. Keep an eye on her and if you are still unsure in a couple of weeks, feel free to post again with updated photos.