Roo or hen

[debid]

The gender feathering of pointy hackle and saddle feathers doesn't show up till about 12 weeks of age. Younger birds won't show those clues.

There is also red over wings (in a bird that isn't red to begin with) usually shouts COCKEREL. Like the bird in the above photo.

Actually, those emerging feathers are the beginning of his saddle. Some cockerels mature earlier than others and this guy is getting his rooster feathers.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Those are just pin feathers, or some broken off. Seeing the full body, it looks like a cockerel.

 

[debid]

• debid
• Jun 15, 2011

This guy is 8 weeks here. You can't see it without parting feathers but I'm sure his saddle was already emerging at this point.

• debid
• Aug 4, 2011

Same guy, 15 weeks. Sickles are in and draping saddle/hackles.
He was fast feathering. He had the prettiest baby tail at 4.5 weeks!

• debid
• May 23, 2011

My pics are date stamped, not relying on memory.

 

[mgbantams]

Those are just pin feathers, or some broken off. Seeing the full body, it looks like a cockerel.

Those pin feathers are the beginning of a saddle. Pin feathers are feathers that are growing in, and in this case they are a part of the saddle.