Does a redder comb and wattle indicate a rooster?

[truebluexf]

We have to black australorps, about 7 or 8 weeks old. One's comb started turning redder a few weeks ago, and continues to do so. Red comb, red wattle, though shorter comb than the other one. They are both supposed to be pullets. Even said chick's cheeks are turning redder now. She also has a shorter tail than her sister. Thoughts?

 

[NoseyChickens]

Yes the comb and wattles being larger and red earlier indicates the chick is a roo.

 

[truebluexf]

Even if the comb is smaller than the obvious pullet?

 

[truebluexf]

Here's Margaret:

It's not the best photo, but she is so much redder than the other one that my son thought she was hurt when he saw her today!

 

[truebluexf]

No one else has any ideas? If she crows soon, I'm screwed, I'm not sure how to add another to the flock as they are getting older and older, and I'm not supposed to just add one, right? I'd really like to know asap if she's a he!

 

[aubreynoramarie]

another good indicator would be feather growth. A rooster will feather out much slower than a pullet. Does it seem like it took the bird in question longer to grow its feathers?

 

[Nicole01]

I think she's a pullet. My RIR's comb turned red at 5 weeks, but stayed small. I'm assuming she matured early.

 

[truebluexf]

Thanks. I would say they feathered at exactly the same time. The one in question has always had smaller tail feathers though.