Pullet or cockerel?

[Misskatrn2012]

Hello I purchased what were supposed to be pullets from the Amish a couple of weeks back at the time the two buff orps were 9-11 weeks old. I’m assuming the Amish bought them from a hatchery and grew them out before selling. One however looks like it could be a cockerel with darker feathers and possible saddle feathers. And a little point to the tail. Their around 13-14 weeks now and I haven’t heard any crowing yet but I really would appreciate anyone’s advice on what this one is.

 

[JedJackson]

Orpingtons are one of those breeds that can take a very long time to sex properly. It could be an early developing pullet or late developing cockerel. My guess is that it is a pullet. But if the comb starts growing and reddening in the next 2 or 3 weeks, then it's worth taking another look.

 

[Misskatrn2012]

Thank you so much Jed! The other orp has a redder comb and has a small waddle but she doesn’t have the dark spots and no pointy feathers. This one just looked so different from her it concerned me that it could’ve been a late cockerel because I’ve heard they can develop late as a defense when around other cockerels and she/he was in with some Rhode Island Red cockerels at the Amish so I thought maybe it was a slow developed cockerel due to that. Let me know you a picture of the other one

 

[Kessel23]

Saddle feathers look like a hen. The hackle feathers look like they could be pointed in the forth pic but it is hard for me to see them. If the hackle feathers are not pointed then it is most likely a hen. Cockerels don't really develop slower when they are by other roosters, they just pretend that they are by not crowing or making alarm calls. Cockerels do this because in the wild the alpha rooster will not allow mature roosters in his territory, once his kids start to crow he beats them and sends them off. It is very beneficial to a cockerel to be around a rooster, the rooster will watch out for him and let him stay in the territory while he is still growing, if the cockerel can make the rooster think he is not matured yet then he gets to be protected for a longer amount of time while he prepares to secure his own territory. I have had a cockerel go for 8 months without crowing just to trick the other roosters.

 

[BlackHackle]

This chicken is 100% hen. That light buff coloring is typical of buff females. Males in buff breeds tend to have a more richer buff coloring. Additionally, at that age rooster feathers should already be showing up. My two month olds already start growing the shiny saddles

 

[Misskatrn2012]

Thank you very much I appreciate it. I had a friend that thought it might be a roo because of a few shiny feathers and a little pointy ness I’m glad to hear it’s a hen

 

[Misskatrn2012]

Saddle feathers look like a hen. The hackle feathers look like they could be pointed in the forth pic but it is hard for me to see them. If the hackle feathers are not pointed then it is most likely a hen. Cockerels don't really develop slower when they are by other roosters, they just pretend that they are by not crowing or making alarm calls. Cockerels do this because in the wild the alpha rooster will not allow mature roosters in his territory, once his kids start to crow he beats them and sends them off. It is very beneficial to a cockerel to be around a rooster, the rooster will watch out for him and let him stay in the territory while he is still growing, if the cockerel can make the rooster think he is not matured yet then he gets to be protected for a longer amount of time while he prepares to secure his own territory. I have had a cockerel go for 8 months without crowing just to trick the other roosters.

Ah thank you that makes complete sense. I appreciate it so much

 

[Misskatrn2012]

Saddle feathers look like a hen. The hackle feathers look like they could be pointed in the forth pic but it is hard for me to see them. If the hackle feathers are not pointed then it is most likely a hen. Cockerels don't really develop slower when they are by other roosters, they just pretend that they are by not crowing or making alarm calls. Cockerels do this because in the wild the alpha rooster will not allow mature roosters in his territory, once his kids start to crow he beats them and sends them off. It is very beneficial to a cockerel to be around a rooster, the rooster will watch out for him and let him stay in the territory while he is still growing, if the cockerel can make the rooster think he is not matured yet then he gets to be protected for a longer amount of time while he prepares to secure his own territory. I have had a cockerel go for 8 months without crowing just to trick the other roosters.

Here’s another picture I’m not sure if you can see the hackles much better but it’s the best one I have right now. Thank you again for taking the time to look

 

[Kessel23]

Yep, that is definitely a pullet.

 

[Misskatrn2012]

Yay thank you so much! Great news