hen or rooster golden laced wyandotte

[mbach]

Hope this is in the right thread. This is my first year with chickens. Can hens have that iridescent shine to them? I thought it was a rooster trait but she is supposed to be a hen? She also isn't very evenly laced. Is it just because she is hatchery quality? She is a little over 8 weeks.
H

 

[Dona Worry]

Hrm, some of those feathers look awfully pointy to me, but it could just be the markings.
I think pullet, but if it goes the other way I won't be shocked.

 

[HuffleClaw]

Pullet!

 

[TennesseeFarm]

All those small feathers on the saddle and the dark orange feathers on the wings could end up being signs of a male. I'd compare the comb to your other wyandotte that looks to be female and I'd compare leg/feet side by side, if this one has a lot larger legs then it's probably a male. If not then give it a few more weeks and you'll know forsure by the feathers

 

[Alexandra33]

I'm leaning towards pullet on your pretty Dotte. There's a world of difference between the plumage on laced cockerels and laced pullets. Patchy, varied coloration indicates male, while overall even lacing means female.

~Alex

 

[mbach]

Thank you! I never even thought she could be a roo until someone said to me that a hens feathers usually don't shine blue/greenish as hers does in the sun. They also mentioned that she acts like a roo. She is constantly on alert and very protective. I just thought that there has to be one leader in the pack, right? I read a lot but I feel like there is more to learn from experiences then a book.

 

[Lady Lionheart]

My GLW cockerels started crowing at 8 weeks old. Plus they had huge bright red combs and wattles. You have a pullet for sure. Here is a picture of my cockerels at 8 weeks before they got rehomed.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

You have a pullet.

 

[Alexandra33]

Thank you! I never even thought she could be a roo until someone said to me that a hens feathers usually don't shine blue/greenish as hers does in the sun. They also mentioned that she acts like a roo. She is constantly on alert and very protective. I just thought that there has to be one leader in the pack, right? I read a lot but I feel like there is more to learn from experiences then a book.

You're more than welcome!

All black plumage, regardless of gender, will produce a lovely greenish purple iridescence. Sheen is not in the least exclusive to males.

Another point I must make is that behavior isn't normally a good indicator, especially this early on. Some pullets play the alpha, while many cockerels are cool, calm, and collected. It's all in gauging the physical maturation traits at this age.

~Alex

 

[9SpiceyChickens]

Pullet! Such a cutie