8-week gender check please - Barred Rock and Rhode Island Red

[maryn7]

Hi folks,

Looking for any thoughts on two of my chicks, please. They're 8 weeks tomorrow. Pretty sure they're pullets, but, you know, looking for the reassurance.

The RIR has developed this little feather bump up by her tail the last few days (are those saddle feathers coming in?); her feathers are such a mess right now. (She also seems too light for an RIR, which is how she was sold to me. Seems more likely a production red or a red sex link, but I'm not fussed about that, though your thoughts are welcome.)

The BR has a pretty red face, but that comb's been stuck that size since she was about 4 weeks old. She's got the dark wash on the legs and had a pretty round spot as a chick (see my profile pic), but a couple pointy feathers on her tail. She's by far the most aggressive of the three.

There's a gray olive egger in there, too. But she's the most pullety pullet, I'm not worried about her at all.

Thanks for your advice!

 

[lilmillefleur]

I think they're both girls

 

[Morrigan]

Pullets!

 

[CaliFarmsAR]

Pullets!

 

[Ducks 4 life]

Defiantly Pullets if they were Cockerals their combs would already be a bit bigger and a deep red.

 

[Pretty Birds]

They are both pullets. I think your RIR might be a New Hampshire Red, but I am not an expert, so I could be wrong.

 

[ronott1]

Both look like pullets.

The red one looks like a hatchery RIR with the black in the tail

 

[lilmillefleur]

Both look like pullets.

The red one looks like a hatchery RIR with the black in the tail

Agree. Usually only the high quality snowbirds are dark red. Hatchery RIR are lighter

 

[maryn7]

Thanks all! Man these little birds really put you through it (when you only want eggs. )

Thanks so much for the quick feedback - and @Pretty Birds, I'll look into NHRs. Thanks again!

 

[maryn7]

Agree. Usually only the high quality snowbirds are dark red. Hatchery RIR are lighter

Ah, got it. She's definitely hatchery. And they don't sell other red birds at all. But I figured it was maybe a production red situation given a fancier name. Appreciate these replies.