Buckeye question

[Tnate]

My girls (mixed flock of GLW, PartridgeRocks and Buckeyes) are approx 14.5 wks. They are of course molting and getting their big girl feathering. I noticed one of the Buckeyes is developing obvious iridescent feathering around neck (collar)..is this possible with hens? Or do I have a cockerel in the making?

 

[Fluffy Lambs]

I've never owned Buckeyes, pics please?

 

[Winderdear]

I think it depends more on the shape of the hackle (collar) feathers. I found these pictures online that show some iridescent feathers on Buckeye hens as well as cockerels. The females have rounded feathers, the males have long, thin, pointed feathers.


Hen ^


Hen ^


Cockerel ^


Cockerel ^

I don’t have any Buckeyes myself, so hopefully someone who does will give us their opinion. If you’d like, you can post a picture of your bird so someone can give you a guess as to whether he/she is a cockerel or pullet.

 

[HorseGirlAbby]

Plenty of hens have iridescent feathering as well, so that’s not a rooster trait. What you want to look for, as another poster already said, are little pointy feathers coming in along the back, which will often be shiny. We need pictures to accurately tell the gender.

 

[Tnate]

Thanks for the replies! I just noticed last night...I want to say the are rounded, but will get a picture as soon as rain stops. I questioned it because my other buckeye does not have the iridescent collar...but they are still getting their adult feathering in.
Stay tuned!

 

[Tnate]

Ok...update got several pic of both the buckeye (#1) in question and another buckeye (2) we have.
Clearly...hens.
Thanks everyone!

 

[HorseGirlAbby]

Ok...update got several pic of both the buckeye (#1) in question and another buckeye (2) we have.
Clearly...hens.
Thanks everyone!

Yes, pretty pullets!