Pretty sure on pullet but would like conformation

[TheYLWFlock]

This is Ruth my 15-16 week old Blue Jersey Giant and I would just like to confirm that she is a pullet. The only reason that I am questioning her is because whenever the dog that we are looking after runs up to the coop and scares all of the birds, Ruth usually runs up to her and flares her neck feathers out and does the stare down. That said, she is the biggest of the bunch (she’s in with 3 other mixed bantams and a BR) as well as the dominant hen at the top of the pecking order. We’ve heard no crowing since we last got rid of our other roosters weeks ago, and she appears to have no spur development, and a short tail. She just has very big red wattles and her comb is starting to turn darker pinkish-red, does that just come with getting closer to sexual maturity? Anyways, take a look at the pictures and tell me what you think!

 

[KikiLeigh02]

The hackle looks like a cockerel, but the tail still looks like a pullet? The comb & wattles are pretty developed too. I think you may have to wait a few more weeks to be sure. Jersey Giants usually mature pretty slowly, so I would guess cockerel. It could just be a faster maturing pullet though.

 

[TheYLWFlock]

The hackle looks like a cockerel, but the tail still looks like a pullet?

Are you asking me if this is what I believe or just stating what you think? When she raises her hackle it goes up a bit and makes her head look bigger but I’ve seen roosters fight and it’s nowhere m near as big as that. And yes her tail seems pretty short to me.

The comb & wattles are pretty developed too.

yes they definitely are but I was comparing it to my light Brahma cockerel another slow developing breed as well (I believe? Correct me if I’m wrong.) who had wattles like that at only 10 weeks and a big red comb. My lavender Orpington cockerel has a comb more developed than hers at 6 weeks, so I just assumed that she was a pullet because all of the cockerels had gotten combs and wattles like that weeks ago.

Anyways thank you so much for the input! I’m really hoping for her being a pullet.


Also, anyone else’s advice and input is welcome!!!

 

[TheYLWFlock]

Also I’d like to add that Ruth is 2-3 weeks older than the pullets pictured beside her in the original photos:

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Just what I was thinking. Hopefully it is a pullet!

Are you asking me if this is what I believe or just stating what you think? When she raises her hackle it goes up a bit and makes her head look bigger but I’ve seen roosters fight and it’s nowhere m near as big as that. And yes her tail seems pretty short to me.

 

[aglandaetap]

Im guessing pullet vs cockerel. No evidence of male saddle feathers for a 15-16wo bird yet. Wattles are big and red but comb is not as big as I’d expect for such age in a male.

 

[TheYLWFlock]

Just what I was thinking. Hopefully it is a pullet!

Oh ok gotcha! Sorry for writing such a looooong reply! Best wishes!

Im guessing pullet vs cockerel. No evidence of male saddle feathers for a 15-16wo bird yet. Wattles are big and red but comb is not as big as I’d expect for such age in a male.

Thank you for your opinion! Hopefully that comes true! We started with 7 chicks, one died, and four were Roos so now we only have 2 originals and 3 mixed bantams that we bought. Sooo hoping for no more cockerels!

 

[Alexandra33]

So far, no male-specific plumage to be seen. Nice, even color, as well...I'd be worried if (s)he were patchy. I'm leaning towards pullet for now, unless things change in another few weeks.

~Alex

 

[TheYLWFlock]

So far, no male-specific plumage to be seen. Nice, even color, as well...I'd be worried if (s)he were patchy. I'm leaning towards pullet for now, unless things change in another few weeks.

~Alex

Thanks Alex! Glad to hear shes looking more pullet-y!

 

[Alexandra33]

Thanks Alex! Glad to hear shes looking more pullet-y!

You're so welcome! She may simply be an unusually quick developer.

~Alex