Pullet or cockerels?

[HuffleClaw]

Thank you

You’re welcome?

 

[Sagey_7878]

You’re welcome?

Hahahhaha, sorry if I confused you! I used that emoji as they’re probably all males.

 

[Sagey_7878]

I would say cockerels. This is one of my 14 week old single combed cockerels. I hatched them out myself so I know exactly how old they are. My boys combs aren't a dark red yet, but they are much reder and bigger than the pullets.

Male.
View attachment 1626796

Female. These are both mix breeds. I suspect a BBS copper marans mix on both of them.
View attachment 1626799

I usually like to use saddle feathers for sexing but yours are a little young for that. I think I'm seeing pointed saddle feathers on 1 and 4. And possibly the start on 2. I have mixed feelings on 3. The comb is smaller and slightly less red than the others, but the barring looks more male to me.

I'm am by no means an expert on sexing chickens, or have much knowledge on your breeds, but I have had success with sexing my own flock and can generally sex adult chickens with ease. I hope for your sake that one of your chickens is just a fast maturing pullet.

Thank you for your help! I’ll keep looking out for saddle feathers. I’m 98% sure my barnevelders are cockerels as I’m pretty sure I’ve seen saddle and sickle feathers on them.

 

[Sagey_7878]

@Cyprus

 

[Sagey_7878]

Here are some new shots from different angles!

 

[Sagey_7878]

I also have images from the breeder of my Australorps sisters (same father) which he has sexed his ones as pullets. I can include images of them to compare against mine if anyone will think that will help.

 

[RodNTN]

Gorgeous cockerels!

 

[Cyprus]

1, 4 and 3 are definitely cockerels but I am going against the grain and saying 2 is a female.
I just don't feel that 2 is male. It's a gut feeling.
FYI, I also have an Australorp. She is a hen. I can try to pull up old pictures if needed.

I am just not buying it that 2 is a male.

 

[Cyprus]

One thing that I don't believe the other American users are considering are that you live in Australia.
Australorps come from Australia. The AU strain is not the same as the US strain. The US birds have even been outcrossed some in the US. Especially hatchery strains.
I believe that the AU Australorps don't mature in the same way as most US Australorps. And with her being 11wks old and it being summer, I would expect a redder comb on the female.

 

[Cyprus]

My Australorp hen now