How early can male specific feathers show?

[Holdthechicken]

I know the standard answer is around 12 weeks, but I have an EE chick, Kronk, that’s been confusing me. It has color in the almost non-existent comb but it hasn’t deepened in color.. but this chick is only 6 weeks old (hatched 5/23) and I can’t tell if I’m seeing male specific saddle feathers or if it’s just the pattern on the feathers tricking my eyes? Personality wise it acts like a cockerel, it’s bigger than the rest, kronk is bearded so I’m not expecting wattles really.

Can saddle feathers show this young?

 

[citymeetscountry]

Is the red that red in person or just in the pics?

ETA:in regard to color in the wings

 

[Sussex19]

I can't see any pointed saddle feathers. (the sign of a male) However, just the fact that the feathers over the wings and saddle areas are so red, that is a good indication of a cockerel

 

[Holdthechicken]

Is the red that red in person or just in the pics?

ETA:in regard to color in the wings

Probably a touch deeper red in real life. The breast is a lighter bronze.

 

[Holdthechicken]

I can't see any pointed saddle feathers. (the sign of a male) However, just the fact that the feathers over the wings and saddle areas are so red, that is a good indication of a cockerel

I’ve stared at this bird so much to try and see why I think it’s pointed. I’ve come to the conclusion it’s the outline of the brown/red on the outside and the white inside. Or maybe I just have a feeling it’s a male so I’m seeing what’s not there . It’s just such a pretty bird I would love to keep it but I’m over my cockerel count and he will have to go back to my dads farm if he is in fact a male.

 

[Sussex19]

I’ve stared at this bird so much to try and see why I think it’s pointed. I’ve come to the conclusion it’s the outline of the brown/red on the outside and the white inside. Or maybe I just have a feeling it’s a male so I’m seeing what’s not there . It’s just such a pretty bird I would love to keep it but I’m over my cockerel count and he will have to go back to my dads farm if he is in fact a male.

I very much think it is a cockerel, I'm just not that good at EEs, and can't see anything that makes me 100% sure.
Bty, I never really answered you real question, as to when they can come in. I think 10 to 12 weeks is normal, but I'm pretty sure I've seen some which come in earlier, like 8 weeks.
Also, one of mine didn't get any up till around 18 weeks, so its very much up to the individual

 

[Holdthechicken]

I very much think it is a cockerel, I'm just not that good at EEs, and can't see anything that makes me 100% sure.
Bty, I never really answered you real question, as to when they can come in. I think 10 to 12 weeks is normal, but I'm pretty sure I've seen some which come in earlier, like 8 weeks.
Also, one of mine didn't get any up till around 18 weeks, so its very much up to the individual

18 weeks? Wow what breed was that?

 

[Tonyroo]

Depends on the breed and whether there large fowl or bantam. Cockerels reveal themselves from 6 weeks to 3 months.

 

[Sussex19]

18 weeks? Wow what breed was that?

He was a Cuckoo Orpington X.
I have an idea that there could actually have been something wrong with him, as he acted a lot more like a capon; but he seem very healthy. Or maybe he was just very slow developing.
He tasted good though...

 

[Flockking]

Guess you have a male at hand