They are definitely males, and I do not believe they are sex-links. Which could explain why as chicks they looked female to him. (Do you have any photos of them as chicks?)
Until proven otherwise, give him credit for it being a msitake.
Spurs are not a good indicator of gender during the first year. Haul them back to him and tell him you want an exchange for same-age girls, and that you want to pick from the ones he has available. Then pick ones that look feminine, based upon their breed.