Barnevelder gender

[Cabbage01]

Long time lurker, first time poster here

I have a 12 week Barnevelder and I need some reassurance that he’s a dude. I can’t keep cockerels, but don’t want to give away a potential hen!

He looked like a pullet until 8 weeks, but feathers look male now. No crowing yet. Am I right?

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Cockerel. You have a couple of male saddle feathers coming in, and the rust over the wings is you're indicators.
For a 10 week old, I would have expected a bigger set of comb and wattles, though.

 

[Trish1974]

Great pics, @Cabbage01! I wish everyone wanting gender i.d. would post pics like this!

 

[Cabbage01]

Cockerel. You have a couple of male saddle feathers coming in, and the rust over the wings is you're indicators.
For a 10 week old, I would have expected a bigger set of comb and wattles, though.

Thanks, yes the comb and wattles really threw me off. He had a brother I rehomed weeks ago, who showed clearly at around 5 weeks.

 

[Cabbage01]

Great pics, @Cabbage01! I wish everyone wanting gender i.d. would post pics like this!

Thanks Trish!

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Thanks, yes the comb and wattles really threw me off. He had a brother I rehomed weeks ago, who showed clearly at around 5 weeks.

That explains it. I've found that if you have more than one male, the dominant one (or the existing Roo) will slow down the maturity of the up in comer. I think that this way the subordinate male doesn't stand out until he's mature enough to try to defend himself.

 

[Mimi13]

That explains it. I've found that if you have more than one male, the dominant one (or the existing Roo) will slow down the maturity of the up in comer. I think that this way the subordinate male doesn't stand out until he's mature enough to try to defend himself.

I think this is true, or what I’ve noticed within my own flock anyway. Also, my Barnevelder hen’s comb is a very small comb compared to some of my other breeds.

BTW, you have a gorgeous cockerel. It’s a shame you can’t keep him. I love my Barnevelder girl, but the male is much more beautiful.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I think this is true, or what I’ve noticed within my own flock anyway. Also, my Barnevelder hen’s comb is a very small comb compared to some of my other breeds.

BTW, you have a gorgeous cockerel. It’s a shame you can’t keep him. I love my Barnevelder girl, but the male is much more beautiful.

I have three cockerels.... but I think you're talking to the OP? Not me...?

 

[Mimi13]

I have three cockerels.... but I think you're talking to the OP? Not me...?

My bad. That second part was to the OP, but my BB brain must have forgotten I had replied to you.

@Cabbage01, you have a gorgeous cockerel and it’s a shame you can’t keep him.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

My bad. That second part was to the OP, but my BB brain must have forgotten I had replied to you.

@Cabbage01, you have a gorgeous cockerel and it’s a shame you can’t keep him.

quite alright. LOL I just got confused for a second there! LOL