Hen or roo... any guesses?

[Katie593]

I got the bird in question from our local family-owned feed store, and they get them from a hatchery (I don't know which one). She's supposed to be an Americana. The bird is 11 weeks old. The tail is questionable to me, so I'm worried that I might have a rooster. So far the bird is the same size as the other in the flock. There haven't been any signs of crowing yet. Thoughts?

 

[Hazel feather]

It’s definitely a pullet ! And a beautiful one too!

 

[Ikslo]

I vote cockerel

 

[CherishedFowlGuardian]

I got the bird in question from our local family-owned feed store, and they get them from a hatchery (I don't know which one). She's supposed to be an Americana. The bird is 11 weeks old. The tail is questionable to me, so I'm worried that I might have a rooster. So far the bird is the same size as the other in the flock. There haven't been any signs of crowing yet. Thoughts?

I think it’s a girl but I’m not an expert.

 

[thecatumbrella]

The tail is questionable to me, so I'm worried that I might have a rooster.

I see exactly what you mean about the tail, but I've had a few girls get that sort of curled floof while they're going through their juvenile molts. Hard to say for me.

 

[Ikslo]

I was looking more at the comb base being wider than all my girls, but if you’re hoping for a pullet, I’d be happy to be wrong!

 

[ella2025]

I'm not sure but I believe this is pullet coloring? At 11 weeks it's normal for a pullet's comb to be pretty big, depending on the bird. But since she doesn't have any weird leaking feathers, I vote pullet!

 

[AinaWGSD]

Pretty pullet. At 11 weeks I would expect the comb to be brighter. The coloring of the feathers is also feminine.

Tail feathers really don't mean anything at this age. Male sickle feathers don't come in until well after the saddle and hackle feathers, usually around 16-24 weeks or later I think.

 

[Squawkers]

Pullet

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I'm not sure but I believe this is pullet coloring?

There are select breeds in which they have sex specific colouring. These breeds, or mixes in some cases, are called either sex-links or auto-sexing breeds. Sex-links include Red sex links and black sex links. Barred rocks are a common auto-sexing breed due to the difference in feather patterns between males and females. Americanas are not one of these breeds or mixes that fall into these categories so therefore it is not possible to determine the sex of one based on their feather colouring. Hope that clears it up!