Saddle feathers

[bhawk-23]

Ok, I am really trying hard to look at the feathers on my chicks but have zero clue what I am looking at! I've researched on here, searched on google and have spent hours just staring but am at a total loss. I am hoping to post some pics and maybe someone here can give a short explanation for all of us newbies who keep asking I would love to figure this out on my own but unfortunately I seem to be a feather blind idiot! If others would like to add theirs too I bet the more variety the better.
These are 8 week old (this weekend) barnyard mixes.

 

[bhawk-23]

Also 8 week barnyard mix

 

[chickenhappy1233]

need some close up photos of the comb, at this age saddle feathers will be quite hard to see.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Saddle feathers don't show u til about 18-20 weeks old

 

[chickenhappy1233]

light colored birds are cockerels

 

[Painted Calls]

Male specific saddle feathers do not begin to come in until 12+ weeks.

So at this age you would look more closely at comb and wattles development. Gender specific coloring/pattern is also something that can be picked out earlier.

 

[bhawk-23]

Another 8 week barnyard mix

 

[chickenhappy1233]

Saddle feathers don't show u til about 18-20 weeks old

this is my cockerel at 9 weeks, if you look close at the end of his wings you can see saddle feathers comming in

 

[bhawk-23]

light colored birds are cockerels

So how did you pick that so quick? What was your clue?

 

[Painted Calls]

Saddle feathers don't show u til about 18-20 weeks old

Most breeds would be laying or close to POL by this age range. The cockerels would also usually have an abundance of saddle and hackle feathers showing.