Rooster or hen? This one is giving me mixed signals. 18 weeks old

[LadiesAndJane]

Hackles are the pointy feathers around the neck. Saddles feathers are the pointy feathers at the base of the tail, not the tail feathers themselves. These usually come in around 14-16 weeks of age in cockerels. That only males have pointy tail feathers is a myth. Many hens have pointy tails.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Here is a photo from the internet showing the different feathers:

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Thinking cockerel but better pictures would help.

Agree, looks like saddle feathers coming in, really clear photos of the saddle area (see my previous post) will be helpful.

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

Photos can be incredibly deceiving. When you pick up one of the neck feathers in your hand, are they pointy? I've got a hen whose hackles look pointed but they're not : D Seeing some butt pics (saddle!) would be nice too hahaha

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Male. And tails dont always indicate gender.

 

[Skyleen13]

Photos can be incredibly deceiving. When you pick up one of the neck feathers in your hand, are they pointy? I've got a hen whose hackles look pointed but they're not : D Seeing some butt pics (saddle!) would be nice too hahaha

Will try. Might not be till tomorrow since it’s night here.

 

[FactoryReject]

Hackles are the pointy feathers around the neck. Saddles feathers are the pointy feathers at the base of the tail, not the tail feathers themselves. These usually come in around 14-16 weeks of age in cockerels. That only males have pointy tail feathers is a myth. Many hens have pointy tails.

Thanks, now I feel dumb

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Thanks, now I feel dumb

Please, we were all new at this at one point.
We are all here to learn from each other!

 

[chickengr]

hen.

better pic would help. saddle feathers look rounded and by 18 weeks comb would be huge and dark red.

mediterranien breed girls look somewhat boyish.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

hen.

better pic would help. saddle feathers look rounded and by 18 weeks comb would be huge and dark red.

mediterranien breed girls look somewhat boyish.

All depends on those pics.