Pullets or Cockerels

[Yardmom]

Unfortunately it seems several back yarders are telling people their barred pullets are cockerels without being familiar with the gender/color traits. I think knowing breed characteristics is important before you tell someone the gender of their bird. A red comb is not always the best way to tell.

 

[Joviansystem]

I'm not fully convinced the barred bird is a cockerel. It looks pretty dark to me. Two copies of the barring gene (which males require) lightens the black, which is why male barred birds are lighter than their female counterparts. It's possible that it is a Cuckoo Marans as well, just non-typey because of the hatchery crossing in other breeds to up their production. If it is a pullet, laying should hopefully confirm that. Chances are it is a cross though.

As for the Blue "Ameraucana" other than red leakage, I don't see anything to indicate that she isn't actually an Ameraucana. Her legs seem to be both slate and willow? Which they should be slate for an actual blue. It is possible that if she came from a black to blue/splash mating the black was covering up genes from another cross in regards to color, not breed. Of course it is just as likely that she is an Easter Egger if she was purchased from a hatchery versus a breeder. It is unusual to see blue in hatchery quality Easter Eggers that are mislabeled as Ameraucanas.

Here is another more current pic of my barred bird. I read somewhere that some hatcheries cross their cuckoo marans with barred rocks to up their egg production. Not sure if that's true but would explain the coloring of mine.

 

[Joviansystem]

Unfortunately it seems several back yarders are telling people their barred pullets are cockerels without being familiar with the gender/color traits. I think knowing breed characteristics is important before you tell someone the gender of their bird. A red comb is not always the best way to tell.

Here is an updated photo about 10 weeks old

 

[Chickassan]

I think it is a barred rock, also think it is a pullet. I'm going by the double barring and the dark wash on the legs.
I'm not a barred rock expert, I do have dominiques though and I call pullet using those guidelines.
Maybe i'm right

 

[Joviansystem]

I think it is a barred rock, also think it is a pullet. I'm going by the double barring and the dark wash on the legs.
I'm not a barred rock expert, I do have dominiques though and I call pullet using those guidelines.
Maybe i'm right

I hope so! I love this stupid bird and I'd have to get rid of it if it was a rooster...damn bird laws

 

[drumstick diva]

EE pullet & Barred Rock cockerel

 

[ColtHandorf]

It's definitely a pullet. Nothing indicates cockerel to me in that updated picture.

 

[savvychickz]

Here is an updated photo about 10 weeks old
View attachment 1687009

That’s a pullet, males would be much lighter and with redder and bigger combs and waddles. This was my roo when he was younger, pure barred rock

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I'm changing my mind to Pullet. In her first pics she looked lighter, maybe washed out from the lighting? Now she looks darker and like she's growing into her comb and wattles.