ChickieChickieMama
Songster
I purchased a mixed flock of chicks from TSC on April 1, at which point they should have been no less than 4 days old (but possibly older??).
My two "sexed Welsummer Pullets" are developing at vastly different rates and in another thread many thought the more developed Irma might be a roo. But now Ethel is developing in the same way as Irma did in terms of feather features and comb, but at least a week, nearly 1.5 weeks behind.
Okay, so Irma is much older probably and was hanging around the store awhile (though they were similar sizes when I brought them home). Now their colouring seems to be unlike Wellsummer pullets or roos though (both have very strong head v's and eyeliner but dark feathers all over their bodies, tipped in copper/salmon and white!)
Ethel a few days after I got her.
Irma, same day.
Irma at left and Ethel on the right; around 3 weeks old (estimated).
Ethel at left and Irma on the right, contrast edited because of poor lighting. Approximately 3.5 weeks old. Irma started to stretch more upright and her comb and legs grew larger. She went through a cranky teenage phase, which has now passed. Ethel was a cuddly teddy bear, until around 4 weeks (now). She's now behaving just as Irma did last week.
Pics from today, approximately 4 weeks old. Ethel first:
Wing closeup:
And Irma:
Wing closeup:
Are they actually Welsummers?? From my inexperienced research, I'm wondering if they might be something different like maybe Speckled Sussex? And, regardless of what breed they are, are they actually pullets or roosters??
I'm so confused!!
My two "sexed Welsummer Pullets" are developing at vastly different rates and in another thread many thought the more developed Irma might be a roo. But now Ethel is developing in the same way as Irma did in terms of feather features and comb, but at least a week, nearly 1.5 weeks behind.
Okay, so Irma is much older probably and was hanging around the store awhile (though they were similar sizes when I brought them home). Now their colouring seems to be unlike Wellsummer pullets or roos though (both have very strong head v's and eyeliner but dark feathers all over their bodies, tipped in copper/salmon and white!)
Ethel a few days after I got her.
Irma, same day.
Irma at left and Ethel on the right; around 3 weeks old (estimated).
Ethel at left and Irma on the right, contrast edited because of poor lighting. Approximately 3.5 weeks old. Irma started to stretch more upright and her comb and legs grew larger. She went through a cranky teenage phase, which has now passed. Ethel was a cuddly teddy bear, until around 4 weeks (now). She's now behaving just as Irma did last week.
Pics from today, approximately 4 weeks old. Ethel first:
Wing closeup:
And Irma:
Wing closeup:
Are they actually Welsummers?? From my inexperienced research, I'm wondering if they might be something different like maybe Speckled Sussex? And, regardless of what breed they are, are they actually pullets or roosters??
I'm so confused!!
what should have been the red flags that "she" was a he? So I can know for next time, because I really wanted some of those gorgeous dark speckled eggs in my basket!
Black chests aren't a good sign if you're hoping for pullets.
I guess you just have to go into it hoping for the best, picking those with the most pronounced eyeliner, and stay aware of the risks. 
):
