Aracuana lovers your knowledge is needed

[sono-chic]

I have been under the impression my Penny was a hen. We got her at 12 weeks and she even has nurtured two young chicks. Lately I've noticed her feathers are changing. I think I see pointy saddle feather. Is my Penny a Roo?

 

[sono-chic]

She is now about 18 weeks.

 

[juliechick]

Yes, that is a rooster.

 

[sono-chic]

A hen will never have pointy feathers anywhere will they?

 

[juliechick]

Not like he has. It's the hackle (neck) and saddle (right in front of the tail area) feathers that get pointed and shinny in roosters. I can see the saddle feathers on him that make me sure he's a rooster.

 

[sono-chic]

This bird had me fooled. It nested with babies under its wings for weeks. But when I noticed those feathers........ Maybe he will be a great roo.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

Some Roos will babysit or take care of chicks as though it were a hen. I always thought this was odd but very amazing at the same time.