Easter Egger Male Specific Feather Pattern & Coloring

[4timandlisa]

So, my question is not about hackles, saddles, tails…but about male specific color and pattern on EEs.
I’ve read about “patchwork” patterns and red feathers, can you post a few pictures of examples? And is this evident as soon as juvenile feathering replaces down, or “teenage”/adult feathering prior to first molt?
As an example, I’ve included a few pics of a three week old easter egger that I suspect is a male based on my understanding of what I’ve read here at BYC regarding the coloring and pattern of male EEs.
Where am I right, or wrong?
Thanks for your input!
(how do chicks know the difference between when you NEED to get good pics of them, and when you’re just there to hang out with them??!! )

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

Following.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I’ll say he’s male too.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

Following

 

[JedJackson]

Splotchy coloring in males:

 

[JedJackson]

Even coloring in females:

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

I just posted some pics in the gender feed. I'm having terrible luck as of late with the ordering 6-week-old pullets online.

 

[4timandlisa]

Splotchy coloring in males:
View attachment 3207908View attachment 3207922

Thanks for posting these photos! So it looks like the male specific pattern was obvious as the “teenager” feathering came in. Did you notice the blotchiness in their juvenile feathers?

 

[JedJackson]

Thanks for posting these photos! So it looks like the male specific pattern was obvious as the “teenager” feathering came in. Did you notice the blotchiness in their juvenile feathers?

These are other folk's photos I used for an example. But yes, you usually can tell Easter egger males early from either the blotchy color pattern, deeper red color on the shoulders or larger comb. But none of these things are foolproof, because on rare occasions you'll get a splotchy pullet or one with red on the shoulders. In my opinion, comb is still the #1 way to tell with them.

 

[3KillerBs]

I keep hoping that someone will write an article on male-specific and female specific color patterns for one of the article contests.