Light Brahma slower feathering than Orpington?

[davemonkey]

I bought Buff Orp females from Meyer (hatch date Nov 17). At 1 week, the Orps had started to get some good wing feathers, and tail feathers started to come in. Light Brahma was behind on the wings, and no real tail tips at that time.

Now at 3 weeks old, there is still a big difference. Are the Brahma a slower-feathering breed? Is this an indication I may have a cockerel? Or is feather development really not that great an indicator on sex?

 

[davemonkey]

Follow-up question: is it normal for the Brahma feathers to look so "messy"? The Orps feathers look pretty normal from what I can tell (and past experience). But the Brahma's feathers look quite unkempt. All chicks have the same feed/water (20% starter, change water couple times a day, etc....we keep them clean and spoiled).

 

[JedJackson]

It just means you have a slower developing individual. Buff Orpingtons are quicker at developing, but I think this Brahma is slower than the usual. That doesn't mean it is a cockerel, though. Time will tell.

 

[I Love Feather Babies]

I bought Buff Orp females from Meyer (hatch date Nov 17). At 1 week, the Orps had started to get some good wing feathers, and tail feathers started to come in. Light Brahma was behind on the wings, and no real tail tips at that time.

Now at 3 weeks old, there is still a big difference. Are the Brahma a slower-feathering breed? Is this an indication I may have a cockerel? Or is feather development really not that great an indicator on sex?
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Bramhas are a heavy breed and mature slower than most others. Give it some time. As for the feathers, they should be fine. Possible it could be a frizzle but not likely.

 

[ella2025]

I agree with others. My Brahma took like 2-3 weeks longer than my other chickens to feather out completely (including orpington) even though she is a pullet. And no, especially for brahmas, feathering speed does not matter for gender. But if you want to post some comb photos I might be able to help you sex the chick. From that one photo she honestly looks like a little roo comb wise.

 

[davemonkey]

...But if you want to post some comb photos I might be able to help you sex the chick. From that one photo she honestly looks like a little roo comb wise.

If you are referring to the color, that may just be the heat lamp beaming. (I had the chicks outside to play, but had the heat lamp there if they wanted to hang out under it...and those pics just happened to be when they were playing under the lamp.)

BUT, here are some close-ups of the Brahma:

 

[ella2025]

Oh. She looks fine. In that photo I just thought I saw an oval comb which all my pea comb cockerels had at that age.