Do you see saddle feathers?

[Justanother Brooke]

This one chicken is confusing me! Out of the 5 we have, 2 are definitely pullets, 2 are definitely cockerels (based on the saddle feathers, super pointy), but this one I just can't figure out. He/she has a larger comb and wattles than the hens, by far, but as far as I can tell, none of the saddle feathers are pointy. What do you guys think?

 

[banjoejoe4783]

that is a roo you can see the shinny pointy sadel feathers coming in

 

[Illia]

See how the feathers have bristly tips on the, and they're coming to an almost triangular shape instead of a nice round or oval shape? Those are little baby saddle feathers. Also, the comb/wattles is another giveaway as well as the pointed, small hackle feathers coming in on the neck.

 

[Justanother Brooke]

Okay, maybe it was just wishful thinking on my part that he could still be a she! I guess he and one of the other roos will be looking for homes, or will be put in the freezer. Three roos and 2 hens does not sound like a good ratio to me!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Yup, boy for sure.

 

[Winggedheart]

Handsome little boy.

 

[ChickenWisperer]

Quote:
It's not. I would never have any less than 8 hens in with one roo, 6 at the *very* least, to keep the hens happy and from getting too much feather damage.

The only time I would do otherwise was if I was breeding on a small scale.