Buff Orp Cockeral?

[fatcatx]

We got our first chicks this spring which included one buff orpington which was sexed to be a pullet. Given the BO docile reputation, I was surprised that this little chick acted like the boss from the word go. It acted differently than the sussex chicks but I shrugged it off and attributed it to different breeds. Then I saw this thread which shows pics of 2 week old BO's.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/194687/sexing-buff-orpingtons

This is what my 2 week old looks like now. (Couldn't get the little bugger to stand up for a photo op.) The wings seems identical to the cockerals in the thread but mine does not have tail feathers yet so I am hoping I didn't grab the lucky boy out of the 50 pullet chicks . What is everone's opinion? I'll be keeping he/she until it is clear but I have a sinking feeling since the wings are very cockeral-like when compared the the thread above. And this chick has A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E.

 

[fatcatx]

Two days after I posted this I had the peepers outside in their little pen and when Ms Maddy Cat came nosing around. It charged her. (Or should I say He charged her?) I know you're not suppose to bother trying to sex them this early, but I'm not sure I have a prayer for a girl at this point!

 

[jamie7100]

I don't think anything is screaming male to me. Maybe get a picture of his comb ? Is it turning red or look more red than the others? I think it might still be early to tell. I know that there are bold chicks of both genders

 

[fatcatx]

It may be it just wants to be the boss. But its body language, posture, etc has been different from day one. When I put them out, the others poke around and do chickeny things. The buff flaps around and flies at their backs. The others are usually looking down and absorbed in what their doing while the buff is craning its neck, giving you the stink eye.

Do roos act like a roo from the get-go? Maybe I'm seeing things that aren't really there. However the wing comparison to the thread noted above was spot-on. Not sure if the different wing shape is typical with the orps.

 

[jamie7100]

Some do and some don't. I've seen roos that are the boss from the beginning and others that get picked on and stay submissive. Same with hens.

 

[fatcatx]

Here is an update for anyone looking for reference.

Here he is at 5weeks

 

[fatcatx]

7 1/2 weeks. About this time I could lift up the feathers along his back and see his saddle feathers coming in.

 

[Studio2770]

I have a 12 day old partridge cochin pullet(supposed to be a girl). She does have a very big personality and whines to go out and play. She's the biggest but the least feathered. I was paranoid too but I'll just watch her for now. Some females are just like that. Judging by the recent photos, I say boy. I'm no expert with Orps, but the comb, wattle, legs, feet, chest, and posture look boyish to me. My leghorn cockerel had a chest like that Buff Orp at 7 weeks.

 

[fatcatx]

He is definitely a boy - saddle feathers don't lie!

Just thought I would post some updated photos for those asking the same questions about their own BOs. I find it very helpful when people post a pic with the age so I can see what the combs look like.

I wouldn't sweat yours for a few more weeks. It becomes much more apparent at 4-5 weeks. Check for those saddle feathers weekly after that.

We've also got a Delaware that was suppose to be a pullet but it's looking like we got skunked with that one too! Not sure if it is just horrible luck (2 for 2!) or if the hatcheries are bad about sexing the chicks for feed stores since there would not be enough complaints to make a difference.