French Black Copper Maran experts; need your eyes! boys?

[thistlewick]

I have 3 chicks I got from Greenfire Farms

They are all ostensibly 5 weeks old, but perhaps a trifle older as when I got them they had a little feathering already.

The most obvious boy is this one here; already getting his gorgeous hackles in:

The other two - all the same age - are more curious -- are these boys as well? I have my sneaking suspicions they ARE in fact, also cockerels but I am not an expert by any stretch. Would love someone very familiar with the breed to take a look;

Neither one of them are getting any copper on their necks yet. Nor are their combs red/pink nor big in comparison with Oscar, who is so clearly a boy he was showing at 2 weeks old.

But still would love some thoughts if anyone is so inclined - thanks so much for looking!!

 

[JedJackson]

I think you have one cockerel and two pullets. Comparison is key here. Even though the male's comb is shown only from the back, it is clearly much more developed, and early comb development is typical with Marans cockerels.

 

[talkinboutchickens]

There are no pics on my end, BYC has been acting up a lot for me lately. If I could see them I would help

 

[wrathsfarm]

I agree with @JedJackson
Would like to see a front and side pic of face and chest, but his comb is screaming male even from behind along with the copper coming in on his back.

 

[thistlewick]

I agree with @JedJackson
Would like to see a front and side pic of face and chest, but his comb is screaming male even from behind along with the copper coming in on his back.

I can try and get one today, but yeah oh man it's deffo a boy - which I am terribly happy about!!

 

[wrathsfarm]

I can try and get one today, but yeah oh man it's deffo a boy - which I am terribly happy about!!

No worries... It's been pretty much confirmed, I was just curious if he's got copper coming in on his chest yet mainly which is usually an early indicator also. Mossy pullets will throw copper all over early also so it's not always a tell tale sign but that comb does...

Happy that your keeping him... Congrats. Looking forward to seeing more pics as they grow out.

 

[thistlewick]

No worries... It's been pretty much confirmed, I was just curious if he's got copper coming in on his chest yet mainly which is usually an early indicator also. Mossy pullets will throw copper all over early also so it's not always a tell tale sign but that comb does...

Happy that your keeping him... Congrats. Looking forward to seeing more pics as they grow out.

it rained all day and I stayed in a learned some crochet, so no pic today

if I get any more Ill for sure post them!

 

[thistlewick]

He's just exactly like a little baby cockerel, curious in my face. I HOPE he raises up as good as Chuck, I'm tickled to death to have him. I want to make so many little Olive Eggers from him!

Oscar!

 

[thistlewick]

Got this absolutely smashing pic yesterday of the new cockerel next to Tilly, one of our FCBMs

Tilly is Mt. Healthy stock
Oscar is Greenfire Farms

 

[wrathsfarm]

Got this absolutely smashing pic yesterday of the new cockerel next to Tilly, one of our FCBMs

Tilly is Mt. Healthy stock
Oscar is Greenfire Farms
View attachment 4101885

Gorgeous!!