Gender and breed help, please?

[farmerChef]

at 4 months the roosters will start getting the pointed saddle(back) and hackle(neck) feathers in. the rooster will also have larger, redder combs earlier that pullets. Pullets combs will usually stay small and pale until the get close to laying, around 4-5 months old.

saddle feathers on a young roo

 

[farmerChef]

I think you have 2 pullets, the first's comb is starting to redden because she is closer to laying. thier combs will grow (not too much) and get bright red right before they start to lay.
thier pelvic bones will also widen to pass eggs, thier butts will get bigger. when they are young or not laying, you can only fit 1-2 feathers between, whe they are laying, it's 3-4 fingers apart. thier vent will also stretch.

 

[KKane61]

Thanks! Great picture and explanation!

 

[KKane61]

Thanks for the picture and explanation. Very helpful!

 

[aart]

I think that with most breeds the cockerel will be showing quite a bit more size and color in their combs and wattles by 5-6 weeks.
It's easy to see if you have several of each of the same breed....harder if you only have a few that are all one gender.
The more experience you have with chicks, the sooner you'll begin to recognize the genders.

 

[KKane61]

T

I think that with most breeds the cockerel will be showing quite a bit more size and color in their combs and wattles by 5-6 weeks.
It's easy to see if you have several of each of the same breed....harder if you only have a few that are all one gender.
The more experience you have with chicks, the sooner you'll begin to recognize the genders.

Thanks! Love the helpfulness of members of the BYC community!

 

[KKane61]

UPDATE: All are hens and laying lovely brown eggs!!

 

[Wyandottes7]

Thanks for the update!

 

[BantamLover21]

Thanks for updating!