Can pullets start showing spur nubs at a young age?

[nerfworthy]

I ask because several of my supposed "pullets" are beginning to show spur nubs on the legs. One of them is particularly aggressive, always rushing the others and me! They are guessed at 4 weeks old.

 

[lazy gardener]

Yes. Spurs don't show up until well after the cockerel starts sprouting hackle, saddle, and sickle feathers... and crowing. To ID a cockerel at an early age, look for comb that is more pink and larger than that of his hatch mates. The pullet comb will be smaller and more orange or yellow.

 

[microchick]

I have a 3 year old Welsummer hen with impressive spurs for a ladybird. They are over 3/4s inch long, very sharp and she uses them frequently when she gets mad at the roosters which is frequently. I don't think I've ever gotten a fertile egg from her unless things have changed drastically, I've seen her chase the roosters who showed an interest in her and fly at them feet first. Usually the boys are so surprised to have a hen fight them off that they retreat with haste cackling in confusion.

Four weeks is a little young to draw conclusions, though and accidents happen in sexing chicks. This is one of those times where time will tell if you have a cockerel or a pullet.

 

[crazychickenlady1997]

I have a 3 year old Welsummer hen with impressive spurs for a ladybird. They are over 3/4s inch long, very sharp and she uses them frequently when she gets mad at the roosters which is frequently. I don't think I've ever gotten a fertile egg from her unless things have changed drastically, I've seen her chase the roosters who showed an interest in her and fly at them feet first. Usually the boys are so surprised to have a hen fight them off that they retreat with cackling in confusion.

Four weeks is a little young to draw conclusions, though and accidents happen in sexing chicks. This is one of those times where time will tell if you have a cockerel or a pullet.

Your Welsummer sounds like my kinda girl...lol. Love it.

 

[microchick]

Yeah, I have to admire her spunk. She has taken on every rooster I've ever owned. If one has had his way with her it was when I wasn't looking. But every time I see one approach her, she has chased him off

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Yes. Spurs don't show up until well after the cockerel starts sprouting hackle, saddle, and sickle feathers... and crowing. To ID a cockerel at an early age, look for comb that is more pink and larger than that of his hatch mates. The pullet comb will be smaller and more orange or yellow.

X2.....
Take some pics and post them

 

[nerfworthy]

X2.....
Take some pics and post them

I'll take some close up pics of combs and legs this evening!!! I have strong suspicion that 1-2 of them might be roos. I might just be overly paranoid though because I'm not allowed to have roosters where I live... and I love all my babies and I am so scared that I will have to give any up.

 

[nerfworthy]

Some random close ups..
This is the one I am suspicious is male below

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Some random close ups..View attachment 1336315 View attachment 1336317 View attachment 1336318
This is the one I am suspicious is male below
View attachment 1336319 View attachment 1336320 View attachment 1336321
View attachment 1336322 View attachment 1336323

No one is an obvious cockerel, but that can change in the next 2-4weeks

 

[nerfworthy]

No one is an obvious cockerel, but that can change in the next 2-4weeks

This one has red in it's comb. This is a crazy chicken who is rather aggressive and flighty! Im unsure if she hurt herself somehow or if it's turning red naturally.