How much truth is in tail feathers?

[corbyzmom]

The first two pics are the same bird. Has very rounded, profound tail feathers and also has the bright red comb and wattle. The other two are bright red combs and wattles, but have scraggly tail feathers. How do I know who’s hen or roo? Nobody is crowing or laying? And what kind are they? Thanks y’all!!

 

[Gray Farms]

How old?

Tail feathers in birds 6 months and young has very little to do with determining sex. As pullets often grow in longer tail feathers like a cockerel would but will molt them out later. Saddle feathers on the other hand are a determining factor. Also comb growth and redness combined with age is are also determining factors.

 

[corbyzmom]

We don’t know. 5ish months is what we were told. They’re not laying yet. Or crowing. In fact, they chirp and purr lol.

How old?

Tail feathers in birds 6 months and young has very little to do with determining sex. As pullets often grow in longer tail feathers like a cockerel would but will molt them out later. Saddle feathers on the other hand are a determining factor. Also comb growth and redness combined with age is are also determining factors.

 

[JedJackson]

They look like Delaware mixes and all are female. Tail feathers come into play with younger birds, and saddle feathers are more important than the actual tail in many cases. These girls look full grown. How old are they?

 

[Gray Farms]

If they are in the area of 5 months then they are pullets.

 

[JedJackson]

Okay, 5 months means they are point of lay pullets, then. No signs of male feathering on these.

 

[corbyzmom]

We were told about 5 months. We don’t know. They pretty petite in comparison to my leghorn hen.

They look like Delaware mixes and all are female. Tail feathers come into play with younger birds, and saddle feathers are more important than the actual tail in many cases. These girls look full grown. How old are they?

 

[corbyzmom]

If they are in the area of 5 months then they are pullets.

Gosh I hope so. They’re so precious. I don’t want them to be roosters.

 

[corbyzmom]

Good to hear. Thank you.

Okay, 5 months means they are point of lay pullets, then. No signs of male feathering on these.