Sexing chickens of a laced color pattern?

[ladybrasa]

So I hatched some Silver Double Laced Barnevelder and Chocolate Silver Laced Orpingtons a few days ago. Obviously way too soon to determine gender. I was wondering if there was any sort of coloration differences between males and females that may start appearing as they feather out on laced colored birds? Like solid shoulders? Or does it still depend on specific breed and specific lace color? I wouldn’t make final judgement until I see sex-specific saddle feathers, but it would sure help prepping who not to get attached to …

 

[JacinLarkwell]

@ColtHandorf might know about the Orpingtons

 

[ColtHandorf]

It's way too early to be sure one way or the other, but the Barnevelders will feather out differently so you should be able to tell the cockerels apart once that happens. Generally, on the laced Orpingtons, the pullets will have better, tighter lacing than the cockerels.

 

[ladybrasa]

Oh yeah, I know now is too soon! I was hoping maybe at a month some feather differences would start showing up (if any)? Like solid shoulders or something.

Oh. One of the CSLOs came out white. I read somewhere or another that a white one is occasionally possible and mostly those are males? Is that correct?

 

[ColtHandorf]

The White is Recessive White, which my Silver-laced also carry. The color does not indicate the sex of the bird. Recessive White can be female as often as it is male. You will love it either way. It will be the softest bird.

 

[ladybrasa]

Well if a male he’s going to freezer camp. If female though, I guess I get two color variety orps for the price of one!

 

[ColtHandorf]

Well if a male he’s going to freezer camp. If female though, I guess I get two color variety orps for the price of one!

Can you not have males where you are?

 

[ladybrasa]

I’ve got two already and I don’t think I could comfortably (for him) add another to the flock.

 

[ColtHandorf]

Well, the Orpingtons are sweet boys. Most of mine do fine with small groups of hens too, so he might be able to share.