can any identify if this hamburg chick is a roo or hen??

[islandgirl82]

Any idea on what it may be then?? It was sold as a hamburg..

You have a Silver Spangled Hamburg. I have a Golden Spangled Hamburg pullet. The comb on yours is a bit fleshier than mine but maybe it just appears that way because there's a greater contrast in coloring. This is my pullet at 18 weeks. She's now about 20 weeks and her comb is just starting to turn red and swell...but only slightly.



Yours looks like a pullet to me but a few more weeks and you'll know for sure. Hamburgs are supposed to mature quickly so again, I think maybe it's just more noticeable in yours because of the contrast in coloring.

 

[islandgirl82]

I just googled images of Spangled Hamburgs, both hens and roos and there are a bunch that at first glance I thought were roos but clicked the links and they were hens. There seems to be quite a variation in comb sizes just amongst the hens! Yours just may be one that has a larger rose comb. The larger combs on the hens seemed to be a little more frequent in the Silver vs. the Golden as well.

 

[venetta]

Just thought I would post a bit of an update as it's been a good couple of weeks.

Comb has become a bit fleshy and red - also worried about legs (i'm not entirely sure where spurs come out, but this looks like maybe the start of them??)

 

[Stiggy]

That's a nice looking girl there. Yes that's where spurs form however its rare in hens especially young ones so I wouldn't worry. Their combs and wattlea redden up when they are close to laying

 

[venetta]

I was just worried she might actually be a he, but hooray if she isn't!

 

[islandgirl82]

All my hens have those little nubs on their legs. Her comb is swelling because she'll be laying soon. She has a very sweet face and I have to say I'm a little envious of how relaxed she is with being held. Hamburg's are notoriously flighty around humans. Mine follows me around and tugs on my skirts for treats but to catch her during daylight would be a miracle.

 

[Stiggy]

I agree its great that she Is so calm and happy about being picked up ( or at least she looks it) We hade one friendly hamburg who will get in your face but just try and catch her lol. I'd keep an eye on that beak though, it may need filing back/ trimming

 

[venetta]

Thanks for the advice We're only between 8 and 10 weeks at the moment, so I wouldn't have expected laying so soon??
We have had her since day old (but not exactly sure if she was actually a day or week old!). She's not that keen on being picked up but seems happy enough to perch on our hands!
My partner carried her like a baby today though and she didn't seem fussed!

 

[islandgirl82]

Knowing the age now does make me question a bit but from everything I've read about Hamburgs, they reach maturity and begin laying younger than other breeds but no, 10 weeks is too early. 16-18 weeks is what the average seems to be.

Anyway, here are a couple of images from a google search on Hamburg pullets. You can see there's quite a variation in comb/wattle sizes in these girls and I've seen the same wide range in established hens as well.




If you could post current photos of your Hamburg while standing and tail feathers, that might help. I'm still leaning towards pullet though.

 

[venetta]

I can't get a pic with tail up when I try. I'll keep trying though