Buff Rooster or Hen?

[Rostabunny]

I have a Buff Orpington that we thought was a hen, but now we are not sure. It leads all of the others around and today made interesting noises(link to sound:

). Can anyone help me decide what gender it is?
P.S. They are 16 weeks
Thank you!

 

[JedJackson]

It's a female. Probably has taken charge in absence of a rooster.

 

[Rostabunny]

It's a female. Probably has taken charge in absence of a rooster.

How can you tell? I have tried but am not sure how you do it!

 

[Sammi_0411]

Looks and sounds like a female to me Jeds rite ( as always )

 

[Sussex19]

Definitely a pullet, she sounds a bit like she might be practising her egg song!

 

[Sussex19]

How can you tell? I have tried but am not sure how you do it!

How I tell is mostly by the saddle feathers; on a cockerel at that age, they would by drooping and pointed.
Also she's just got the shape of a hen, and sounds like one.

 

[JedJackson]

How can you tell? I have tried but am not sure how you do it!

At that age a cockerel would have male specific feathering, which females do not get. The hackle would be longer and shinier, the shoulders would be glossier, the tail would be curved with long sickle feathers, and there would be a cascade of the very narrow, glossy feathers coming down from each side of the lower back. Females have regular rounded feathers in that area.

Here is a picture of a male for contrast:

 

[JedJackson]

Looks and sounds like a female to me Jeds rite ( as always )

Don't say that! I'm wrong plenty of times, as is everyone else in here. I'd hate to be a Mr. Knowitall!

 

[Sammi_0411]

Lol we all still learning was meant to be a compliment lol but I get ya x

 

[Painted Calls]

Pullet!