Sapphire gem pullet or cockerel?

[Frazzemrat1]

What should one look for when comparing sapphire gems vs blue andalusians? This chick came from a local feed store who I think has always been pretty accurate with breed, and they haven't ordered any blue andalusians this year.

it may not be the store's fault. It could be the hatchery they ordered from ran out of the sapphire gems and sent the andaulusians instead. They'll do that, sub an order with something similar, if they don't have enough.

 

[BlackHackle]

What should one look for when comparing sapphire gems vs blue andalusians? This chick came from a local feed store who I think has always been pretty accurate with breed, and they haven't ordered any blue andalusians this year.

Sapphire Gem cockerels are barred. They also don't have that big of crown, that is what a Blue Andalusian chick looks like at that age. It also has laced feathers which is also a big characteristic of Andalusians

 

[drumstick diva]

x2

 

[HappyDancin']

I'm experiencing something similar.... I specifically ordered two female Sapphire Gem ...they look much different than one another! The first picture, is them at a few days old. They are now four weeks old.

I ordered these from Hoover's Hatchery. I trusted I would receive two pullets, since they are sex-linked...however, from day one I wondered if they sent me a male and female. I included Hoover's chick-ID photo to compare.

Hoover's description: "This brand new sex-link chicken will amaze you with it's blue and lavender colored plumage. This Czech breed is an excellent egg layer and great forager. It does well in hot climates and is a breed very close to the Old Andalusians. This bird is a specialty hybrid that was created by a breeder in the Czech Republic. Approx. 290 Large Eggs/Year | Egg Color: Brown | Mature Wt: Male 5 lbs. Female 4 lbs."

They are currently FOUR WEEKS: Here's my Sapphire Gem (assumed cockerel...I already see that comb starting to pink up)

Here is the other Sapphire Gem I ordered - pullet, four-weeks.

 

[Mak24456]

I'm experiencing something similar.... I specifically ordered two female Sapphire Gem ...they look much different than one another! The first picture, is them at a few days old. They are now four weeks old.

I ordered these from Hoover's Hatchery. I trusted I would receive two pullets, since they are sex-linked...however, from day one I wondered if they sent me a male and female. I included Hoover's chick-ID photo to compare.

Hoover's description: "This brand new sex-link chicken will amaze you with it's blue and lavender colored plumage. This Czech breed is an excellent egg layer and great forager. It does well in hot climates and is a breed very close to the Old Andalusians. This bird is a specialty hybrid that was created by a breeder in the Czech Republic. Approx. 290 Large Eggs/Year | Egg Color: Brown | Mature Wt: Male 5 lbs. Female 4 lbs."
View attachment 1512487
View attachment 1512493

They are currently FOUR WEEKS: Here's my Sapphire Gem (assumed cockerel...I already see that comb starting to pink up)View attachment 1512476

Here is the other Sapphire Gem I ordered - pullet, four-weeks.
View attachment 1512477

@HappyDancin' hello!
This chick is now more than 10 weeks old and I'm thinking pullet. I'll try to get some updated photos but I think this breed just tends to mature very quickly. Some of the Sapphire Gem breed discussion threads mention how they seem like males early on. Mine as you can see also had a pointy tail and roo-like posture. I'll still have to wait some more for adult feathering, but I'd definitely give yours some more time

 

[Tlhill]

@HappyDancin' hello!
This chick is now more than 10 weeks old and I'm thinking pullet. I'll try to get some updated photos but I think this breed just tends to mature very quickly. Some of the Sapphire Gem breed discussion threads mention how they seem like males early on. Mine as you can see also had a pointy tail and roo-like posture. I'll still have to wait some more for adult feathering, but I'd definitely give yours some more time

At what age did you see wattles begin to develop? My 5 week old has signs of some development. Is that early or normal?

 

[Mak24456]

At what age did you see wattles begin to develop? My 5 week old has signs of some development. Is that early or normal?

The pictures here were at 7 weeks, I can't be sure but I think at five weeks this chick may have had slightly more pronounced wattles than our barred rock chick.

 

[Tlhill]

The pictures here were at 7 weeks, I can't be sure but I think at five weeks this chick may have had slightly more pronounced wattles than our barred rock chick.

Ok, this chick looks a lot like yours. I guess I will just have to wait and see. This breed seems to be pretty inconsistent on growth.

 

[PachecoPeeps]

Here are some of my girls around 6 weeks for reference. I think they just grow some big combs early lol they are all laying now. They started around 16 weeks.

 

[Tlhill]

Here are some of my girls around 6 weeks for reference. I think they just grow some big combs early lol they are all laying now. They started around 16 weeks.

GREAT pics!! Thank you so much for sharing!