Easter Egger Sexing "tips and tricks" *Pictures Included*

[sassysarah]

Can you tell me how you determined that this is a pullet??

Because to us it looks like she has those pointed neck feathers instead of round and maybe wattles that are starting to grow out??

The comb on a cockere l would be much bigger. I've seen lots of EE roosters, and that's not one.

 

[backinthecoop45]

Ok. So the comb would be a good tell tale sign of a pullet or cockerel, not the wattles?

 

[sassysarah]

Ok. So the comb would be a good tell tale sign of a pullet or cockerel, not the wattles?

EEs don't get big wattles, so no.

 

[Lindsay119]

Ok, now I see the red coming in across the back and maybe on the wing. Can you post another pic in a week? I had two similar to this, and one ended up being a pullet and one a cockerel, although I knew by the comb what each would be. Yours could go either way, but I think it will be a couple more weeks before you know for sure.

View attachment 1053655

I'll definitely post a pic in a couple weeks. She just has such an aggressive attitude too. And those tail feathers are so pointed. Here's to hoping she isn't but we'll see.
Thanks

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Because to us it looks like she has those pointed neck feathers instead of round and maybe wattles that are starting to grow out??

A cockerel with that coloring would have dark red patches on his wings and at that age, a larger, redder comb.

 

[backinthecoop45]

I'm sorry but I'm having a hard time with this sexing thing. I really don't get it. I've tried to, especially with my baby chicks but it's not working out for me!! We look at the combs-they look the same, small: we look at the feathers & wing span -same, short: we look at the wattles -we see that some have them (as in the ee we just asked about who we were sure was a cockerel & ready to sell & now find out is a pullet & we can keep) and some don't so we assume (as with the ee) that if it looks like they will have wattles then it's a cockerel. We just don't get how else to try to determine who's who besides just posting them and asking for opinions.

 

[backinthecoop45]

A cockerel with that coloring would have dark red patches on his wings and at that age, a larger, redder comb.

Ok. So then maybe the one that I have a my profile photo is actually a rooster?!! :0

 

[Wishing4Wings]

I'll definitely post a pic in a couple weeks. She just has such an aggressive attitude too. And those tail feathers are so pointed. Here's to hoping she isn't but we'll see.
Thanks

Those tail feathers will fall out and be replaced in a month or two, so they might look completely different. Attitude is not always the best indicator. I was sure I had a male Australorp this spring, bold as brass, but at 12 weeks, it's still looking like a pullet.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

I'm sorry but I'm having a hard time with this sexing thing. I really don't get it. I've tried to, especially with my baby chicks but it's not working out for me!! We look at the combs-they look the same, small: we look at the feathers & wing span -same, short: we look at the wattles -we see that some have them (as in the ee we just asked about who we were sure was a cockerel & ready to sell & now find out is a pullet & we can keep) and some don't so we assume (as with the ee) that if it looks like they will have wattles then it's a cockerel. We just don't get how else to try to determine who's who besides just posting them and asking for opinions.

Yes, it really varies by breed and the age of the bird. Basically, they all look like pullets to start, and we watch for male traits to develop, usually starting around 6-8 weeks. If there is relatively little change in the color and size of the comb by 10 wks, you are usually looking at a pullet. A 16 week old pullet will often have a larger red comb as she gets close to laying. There are many types of combs. Most EEs have a pea comb that can be a little harder to tell the sex on. I found it very useful to google search images of the breeds I have and study the differences between males and females. Once you see those differences, you will get the hang of it.

 

[backinthecoop45]

Ok. We will do that. Thank you very much for all of you help and information.