Cochin experts...male or female?

[LorahS]

I was convinced that both my Cochins were female until recently. They are 14 weeks old currently. The dark blue one has always been bigger and more docile. The splash is smaller, friendly but a bit stand offish. The splash has a shorter back, that looks more “u” like. The splashes waddles and face are just starting to get redder in the past week. I was assuming the comb and wattles would be more developed and red by now if it was male. But I know that Cochins are very slow to mature. The biggest reason I started worrying is because of their body shape. What do you guys think? Thanks for all responses!

 

[LorahS]

Btw...it’s the splash that I’m concerned about. Feeling pretty sure the blue is female.

 

[black_cat]

Both look female to me.

 

[Offshoreorca]

At 14 weeks that should be a pullet - I don't see any male feathering and I've never had them develop that late. However, I have had pullets get good colour in their wattles at that age so this doesn't surprise me at all

 

[black_cat]

At 14 weeks that should be a pullet - I don't see any male feathering and I've never had them develop that late. However, I have had pullets get good colour in their wattles at that age so this doesn't surprise me at all

The only reason that I"m unsure is that cochins are super slow growers, due to their large size. Otherwise I'd agree, 100%

 

[EmmaRainboe]

I'm pretty sure both are pullets. I don't see any male feathering.

The only reason that I"m unsure is that cochins are super slow growers, due to their large size. Otherwise I'd agree, 100%

Same.

 

[Offshoreorca]

The only reason that I"m unsure is that cochins are super slow growers, due to their large size. Otherwise I'd agree, 100%

I raise large fowl Cochins, so I'm pretty confident it's a pullet Even being slow maturing, there should be some definite signs at this age.

 

[LorahS]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone! Again, only started worrying bc the splash has such a shorter back (and more scooped). I noticed today that both had spur buds too!

 

[Offshoreorca]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone! Again, only started worrying bc the splash has such a shorter back (and more scooped). I noticed today that both had spur buds too!

My Ameraucana pullets have spur buds and I know they're not exclusively on males - though they're more common in some breeds than others. It will also depend on the lines of the birds you have. If these are both indeed 14 weeks old, then you shouldn't have much to worry about (both very much appear to be pullets). If they are under 12 weeks, then there is more uncertainty as that's when feathering and late bloomer combs often start to appear. Once and a blue moon there is a male that matures very very late, but I've never come across any that you couldn't tell what sex they were by 8-12 weeks.

 

[Aapomp831]

I’m actually slightly concerned about that chickens iris : pupil.... is that normal?