Roo or hen? Sumatra? Two newbies and they are quite different - help

[Gray Farms]

one big thing to look for, no matter what the breed, is that male chickens have different saddle feathers than female chickens. No matter what. Check out this pic and you should be able to judge at this age what you have...View attachment 1213071

Not completely true actually. In some breeds the males are "hen feathered". Meaning they don't get the long, thin traditional saddle feathers. Such as in Campines and Sebrights.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

They look like mixed breeds.

 

[Egg13]

I’m happy to help. I’ve only been raising chickens for the past 2 years, so I’m not an expert. I have voraciously read up on chickens in the past 2 years, though I still have much to learn.

Thank you, I'll try and get some better photos over the next few days

 

[Egg13]

They look like mixed breeds.

Thanks for your reply, do you have any idea what mixes they might be. We are super curious about it.

 

[Egg13]

Not completely true actually. In some breeds the males are "hen feathered". Meaning they don't get the long, thin traditional saddle feathers. Such as in Campines and Sebrights.

I haven't noticed pointed feathers on him/her (I think they are more rounded) but will have a look more closely. Take your point that they aren't a factor on every chicken as some of the boys from certain breeds will have rounded feathers.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Thanks for your reply, do you have any idea what mixes they might be. We are super curious about it.

They are probably part Silkie, due to the small crests and feathers on the legs.

 

[drumstick diva]

mixed breed

 

[Egg13]

mixed breed

Thanks drumstick diva (I love your name by the way). I am beginning to think so too. Maybe a bit silkie like some people have suggested with some sumatra or Ayam Cemani. Do you think one of them is a roo?

 

[Egg13]

one big thing to look for, no matter what the breed, is that male chickens have different saddle feathers than female chickens. No matter what. Check out this pic and you should be able to judge at this age what you have...View attachment 1213071

Thanks Frazzemrat1, the feathers are more like the ones of the left in your picture from what I can tell. But I'm just a bit confused as to why one (they are both sibling apparently the same age) is growing wattles and a comb but the other isn't? What are your thoughts?