Saddle and Hackle development

[camper82]

I have a 2.5 month EE, sex linked mix. I've been told male but don't see any signs of hackle or saddle feathers? When should these start to develop?

 

[minihorse927]

12Ish weeks. Give or take a week or so. Got a good side view?

 

[camper82]

 

[minihorse927]

Looks awful lot like a cockerel to me. Got a pic of him standing more natural?

 

[camper82]

 

[camper82]

 

[minihorse927]

Yep definite cockerel

 

[camper82]

Boo! So I should see some development soon?

 

[minihorse927]

Yea if he is around 10 weeks now give him a couple weeks and you will see saddles coming in.

 

[donrae]

That much red in the comb at 10 weeks is a definite male.

The pretty sex feathers start around 12ish weeks, at the younger end of the spectrum. Some slower maturing breeds don't get them until 4-6 months.