Bantam identification?

[renk777]

I agree, it looks a like a boy.

The one time I wish I was wrong haha

 

[renk777]

This might be my last weekly post with all 7 Found someone with Cochin mix bantam pullets that's willing to take 3 roos off my hands. Pullets are same age so I can't pass this up. The difficult part is deciding which roos to hold onto longer. I have a soft spot for feathered feet so if i knew for certain the RIR was a roo, I'd keep one of the SPs and the Birchen. But since I'm not at peace over Cherry's gender, I might keep him/her and one SP.

I've poured over RIR hen pics and it seems some have sort of curved tail feathers. Not all...but some. And my little bundle of personality is hatchery quality so that's where my confidence fails. So my decision will probably be a last minute one when I'm just about to head out the door. Don't want to give up a pullet but if Cherry is a roo, I feel I have a better chance of rehoming cochin boys as pets down the road.

Anyway, here goes. First, Cherry! Lots of darker feathers emerging in saddle area but too premature to ascertain shape. The fact that they're there... and darker...and in such abundance leads me to believe our little Cherry is a roo.

 

[renk777]

Next, Griffin. Such a beautiful, mellow bird. He's our largest and just has presence with the way he carries himself. He's slowly become my favorite roo. Unfortunately, his comb is crooked and I fear his markings are off and if I were to breed, his size worries me. So I'm thinking he's the one I'll let go...for reasons mentioned and because woman taking him is already crossing with OEGB bantams which are tiny so I don't think she'll mind his faults but might appreciate his contribution of pattern and color. I also heard hens with wider heads lay larger eggs. Might be rumor but if there's any truth to it, he has the widest head so crossing him with OEGBs might result in hybrids that lay slightly larger eggs...

 

[renk777]

Haze. Much more contrasty and patterned. Hatchery quality but I've looked at photos of adults and I think his coloration is closer to standard. Doesn't have the poise/presence of Griffin and his comb is smaller but in time, he might mature into a decent bird. I know he's hatchery quality and I don't plan on breeding SPs but I feel if I did, it would be easier to breed his faults out. And if I still have him next year and let broodies hatch eggs, I'd be excited to see what results

 

[renk777]

Harper. Surprized me last week with her little silvery necklace. I believe she's birchen...just not a very quality one. But she's so soft and sweet and I don't care if the silver disappears, stays, or intensifies with a molt. Just glad she's a pullet!

 

[renk777]

Max. If I don't keep Cherry, I'm holding onto him. He's sort of in-between Griffin & Haze as far as size and poise and personality. I don't know what a quality birchen should look like but his markings are noticeable and I really like him. Sort of hoping Cherry starts crowing so that I can hold onto him!

 

[renk777]

Next is Marley. Was tormenting myself over his gender until he put me out of my misery and crowed. He's cute enough but since his markings aren't typical and I'm unsure what he is...and he's loud... he's going to the new home!

 

[renk777]

And now for Super Peep (aka Willa). Still won't stand for a photo...most placid creature that ever lived. Doubly excited she's a pullet. If I hadn't risked divorce and bought her, I'd have only one stinkin' pullet!

 

[JadeFarms]

I’m sorry that you got mostly males, but they are absolutely beautiful!!

 

[renk777]

I’m sorry that you got mostly males, but they are absolutely beautiful!!

Let's hope others think so too so that I find good homes!