With the second pic, the EE is also a cockerel.
Breast color only holds true with the black breasted red color, not all birds or all mixed birds. I have a red-based EE cockerel that's probably very similar to your EE, definite male with that comb. The bird also likely has darker reddish shading on the wings, or will here soon. Can't recall exactly when my bird's shading came in enough to be noticeable.
Wow, that's a real string of sure votes for a cockerel! I'm so sad! I love this bird! I keep trying to figure out a way we can keep....him. But I'm also sad because now, if even if we did let him stay, I wouldn't get my easter eggs. :/
Gees....I get my first 8 chicks ever, order them vent-sexes, and I get 2 of out of 8? I realize vent-sexing is "an art, not a science" but,.....someone's not that great of an artist. LOL
I very much appreciate everyone having taken a look, and giving me your honest experienced opinions.