Pullet or Cockrel

[Jmcandrew]

This is our 15 week old prairie bluebell. Looks like saddle feather, but there is no comb development. Any ideas? Never had this breed before. Than you in advance

 

[Tookie]

Pullet.

 

[WIchickMama]

X2 pullet

 

[Jmcandrew]

Pullet.

Thank you! I thought so, but those tail feathers were throwing me off

 

[Jmcandrew]

X2 pullet

Thank you! Those saddle looking feathers were throwing me off lol

 

[Tookie]

Thank you! I thought so, but those tail feathers were throwing me off

If it was a cockerel it would have a much bigger comb and bigger wattles.

 

[Jmcandrew]

If it was a cockerel it would have a much bigger comb and bigger wattles.

That’s what I have always thought too. Our other prairie bluebell is definitely a pullet and doesn’t have those saddle looking feathers. Maybe she is just a little bit manly

 

[Tookie]

That’s what I have always thought too. Our other prairie bluebell is definitely a pullet and doesn’t have those saddle looking feathers. Maybe she is just a little bit manly

Sometimes pullets can get pointy feathers, the only pointy ones is see are the sickle feathers. What could be throwing you off is that her saddle and sickle feathers are pointing downward.

 

[Painted Calls]

She has a female specific pattern. Pullet!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Thank you! I thought so, but those tail feathers were throwing me off

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

I'm gonna agree with the other posters that said pullet.. but elaborate some..

All chickens get saddle feathers.. the males will be pointy and flowing in non hen feathered breeds starting around 12-16 weeks old. The ladies will be rounded.

However.. pattern can make rounded feathers LOOK pointy. Putting your hand or a piece of paper behind them can help discern the difference in shape.

Pics for reference from google..

Even in slower maturing breeds.. there should be more cockerel clues by now.

Also.. specifically for this breed (and a few others).. the males and females feather in differently.. see photo of dark brahma cock in following pic..