Help to sex young Sussex 12 weeks

[CascadiaRiver]

Hi! Just another question as I was looking at my older rooster today. Do they first form from halfway down the back along the spine? Do they go all the way to the tail or stop before it? I think I was looking too close to the tail...

I believe they start about mid way down the back, but I'd check higher up if you're unsure just in case. Iirc they should start mid way up the back and eventually be long enough to flow off the body in the classic saddle shape

 

[RcoM]

I believe they start about mid way down the back, but I'd check higher up if you're unsure just in case. Iirc they should start mid way up the back and eventually be long enough to flow off the body in the classic saddle shape

Yes, that is how I view my big boys saddle feathers. I wonder if anyone has seen where they sprout first?

 

[RcoM]

Thanks for the help throughout, guys! We exchanged one for a clear hen and got a refund on the other. I spent 6 hours in driving in total but we feel more confident with the outcome. In the meantime, from elsewhere, I was offered a young rooster for my 2nd flock and it was good timing and could use him, so I picked that up today too. Looks like my household is set for a hopeful Spring- and so is my friend's. Well done and all the best to all who helped me!!
By the way, today when my 10 week old rooster flared his tail, I saw the saddle feathers just starting to come in, underneath. He is a fast developer!