Question about Rhode island reds

[dandydoodle]

I have two Rhode Island Red chicks that I bought, they are supposed to have been sexed. They are both suppose to be hens. They are about three months old and one has about 5 or 6 black feathers at the tip of its tail. I think the other has one. Does this mean its a rooster or do the hens get some black sometimes? I really appreciate the help, I have never had Rhode island Reds before.

 

[Josie360]

One of my RIR hens has black in her tail feathers

 

[gryeyes]

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Mine, too.

 

[dandydoodle]

Thanks, by what age are you usually able to tell boys from girls as far as Rhode island reds are concerned?

 

[cafarmgirl]

I have a couple hatchery RIR hens and one roo, both hens have a little black here and there in the tail/wing feathers. Can you post a pic of your bird? My RIR roo was very obvious from an early age because of his much more developed comb/wattles and huge legs.

 

[dandydoodle]

Cool, I sure hope it is a hen I have enough roos for now.

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Mine, too.

 

[Debbi]

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At three months old, you should be able to tell by the comb and wattles, and the hackle and saddle feathers.

 

[dandydoodle]

I can probably do it in a little while. I need to charge my phone and take pics then download. Do you have any pics of your roo at a young age on hand? I would love to see them.

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[dandydoodle]

Are the hackle and Saddle feathers red? I don't think I see any.

Quote:
At three months old, you should be able to tell by the comb and wattles, and the hackle and saddle feathers.

 

[RAREROO]

Both males and female should have black tail feathers, that's from the columbian pattern. The hackled and saddle feathers on the males will be pointed when they are a few months old