I thought I knew... now I'm not so sure!

[cluckin_crazy]

I hope they mature quickly so I can tell... they are about 7 weeks now. When do you think I will be able to tell what they are FOR SURE? I can NOT have roosters crowing in my neighborhood!!

 

[chickenlover54]

I have no doubt in my mind that they are both boys

 

[cluckin_crazy]

that's very depressing

 

[KKatknap]

Don't be sad.

I would wait a little longer and see how they develop. Lots of people have ideas and are certain when they see a couple of pictures, but people are wrong all the time. It looks like the odds are against you, but you never know. I'm guessing it has to do with their potential hackle feathers(?) Maybe one of the people who are pretty sure can give you an idea of why on both of them(?)

I do better determining when I can watch them in real life. Do you have any chicken people near you who can see them live and give you an idea? Of course, it still helps to know the breed. I had a "chicken person" look at my wellies and tell me one is for sure a roo. I gently explained that was not possible because they can be sexed at birth based on feather coloring, and I purchased them from someone who breeds them. (The supposed "roo" just happens to be a week or so older than the others, so she is more developed and bigger than they. They also all have a very upright stance.) This person was just basing their judgment on what he saw at the time, but didn't know the breed or the circumstances. If I hadn't known better, I would have been very upset!

Anyway...all this blathering to say, don't totally give up hope, just be prepared for the possibility.

 

[LeBlackbird]

The Black and white has a 1 row comb, ONLY the girls have that, A male has a wide 3-row comb.

 

[chickenlover54]

I know the comb looks small but I have never seen a female with that color, ever and he is getting hackle and saddle feathers. It only looks one row because it is so small, they comb is not distinct enough to tell if it has 3 rows.

 

[cluckin_crazy]

what are these hackle feathers that everyone keeps talking about? i know wing feathers and tail feathers... i thought the rest were just "FEATHERS"

 

[chickenlover54]

Quote:
they are the neck feathers

 

[cluckin_crazy]

i see - are they prettier on males? faster growing? that's actually really interesting to have learned... now i'm thinking about all the others that i've had and i would have known what they were a LOT sooner!

 

[chickenlover54]

they just look different on the males. In a week or so post another pic of the black and white one and you will get more opinions