Brown/red on shoulders means cockerel?

[HeatherinLoomis]

Hello all. We picked up 5 “pullets” from a friend who hatches her own backyard, barnyard mixes. I really have no clue what breed they are- except for making some guesses.
this one in particular is probably 9 or 10 weeks old. I’m thinking it’s a cockerel because of the reddish brown on its shoulders and it’s pointy droopy tail. But, it’s comb is very pale.
I’ve been reading a ton (obsessing over it, really) and read that any color difference on the shoulders, especially brown/red, is an automatic sign of a rooster.
Your expert opinions are welcome. Thank you in advance.

 

[JedJackson]

No, red shoulders do not automatically mean male. It's just one pointer. And your chick doesn't have shoulder patches, just a little red mixed in. I think you have a pullet, but the chick is too young for certainty.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Agree, this little one looks like a pullet so far.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Pullet!
the red you're talking about on cockerels is usually quite vibrant and bright... not subtle like this.

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Pullet! Usually a cockerel with red patches on the wings would look more like this. NOT my photo!

 

[HeatherinLoomis]

Pullet!
the red you're talking about on cockerels is usually quite vibrant and bright... not subtle like this.

Wow, I’m so pleasantly surprised by all of your pullet votes! I think I obsessed and over thought myself into fear. Hahaha! One rooster is fine for my small flock- but I don’t need a whole bunch.

 

[Weeg]

When guessing gender, look at comb and waddles before anything else. That is the most definite sign, were the tail and color aren't.
Pullets at a young age will have thin, small, pale combs, with almost non-existent waddles. Cockerels will have larger, thicker combs that range from light to deep pink. They will also have matching waddles.
Some breeds will show these signs at 4ish weeks of age, and others you have to wait longer. 5-8 weeks.
Your baby is sporting the thin pale comb and hardly any waddles. Pretty pullet!