ARGH! Saddle feathers on an EE?

[Cheska]

Ok, since I'm new to this whole chicken thing, I come to you all for your expertise. We all agreed a few weeks ago that this chicken was a pullet, however I guess I freaked myself out, I'm afraid she/he is growing saddle feathers... But this could just be a regular thing with EE's, or who knows what else. I leave this in all of your capable hands. She's 9 weeks old.

I was also wondering which forum do I post to when I'm ready to order more chicks? I want some light Brahmas next year, and I'm not really thrilled with the chickens in my feed store...

 

[nurse_turtle]

"Fatty" says that's a hen and will always be a hen!

 

[Cheska]

 

[twinmama]

I'm definitely not an expert, but I made almost this exact post a few weeks ago when my EE pullet developed the same feathers! She's still a she, but she has long feathers that confused me for a few days as well. Here are the pictures I posted of her for comparison. She was about 9 or 10 weeks I believe. Hope this helps!

 

[Cheska]

Ok, those photos helped a lot, I was so freaked out! I know I have one roo, I totally couldn't have had two, and this one's my favorite!

 

[Imp]

EEs are very hard to sex. Last year I had one with saddle, pointy hackle, and a sickle tail. I was sure I had a roo. It was confirmed here.

Then my roo started laying eggs.

She looked just like yours.

Imp

 

[Cheska]

Oh man, that must've been confusing. Why are they so difficult to sex? Have all the different mixes between Americaunas, Aracaunas, and EE's created a different genetic profile?

 

[lsg1007]

My Leghorn, Wyandotte, white rock, australorp and 2 EE have saddle feathers. Although they haven't started laying yet, I would be dumbfounded if they were roos. I think the key to the saddle feathers, is their shape. All the hens in these pics have beautiful rounded feathers (like my chickens), not the pointed saddle feather of a roo. This is very similar to hackles - the feathers around a hen's neck should be rounded, while the roo's will be pointed.

 

[Cheska]

Ok. That's a load off my mind, thank goodness. Should have 4 pullets and a roo. Thank you all so so sooooo much. Oh, does anyone know who I can buy some light brahmas from on this site? I see people recommending that people buy their chicks from people on here...

 

[farmerChef]

that is pullet coloring, she is a she. I have noticed EEs and other bearded breeds usually have longer feathers. If it was a roo, the saddle feathers would be pointed. I believe its called a cushion on a hen.

young rooster's saddle feathers

here he is a little older