Sexing "the jerk"

[superchemicalgirl]

This chickens name is Jerk. As an adolescent Jerk enjoyed biting me very hard (my pinky was a favorite). Still does bite, but not as much, mainly because I've learned to stay away. Jerk is supposed to be a barred rock but something went horribly wrong in that department. Jerk was also hatchery sexed as a female, which I'm starting to think also went horribly wrong. The redness in the face isn't as apparent in the pictures as it is in real life, much more red than most of the other chickens. Please help sex Jerk. Thank you.

Edited to add Jerk is 9.5 weeks old today.

 

[chics in the sun]

Hmmm...... I'm new to this, but Jerk pretty much looks like my BR did at 9.5 weeks in terms of her comb, and my BR has always been very red in the face. The barred pattern is totally different, though, as well as her temperment. Mine is a bit demanding but never agressive - she has now started jumping onto our laps to be pet. Sorry about Jerk. Very unfortunate.

 

[ncgrad00]

I think its a hen but I am new to this too!

 

[Zahboo]

I'm not sure but I'd say hen...

 

[gumpsgirl]

The feathers and body are looking like a pullet to me, but boy that comb and those wattles can sure throw you off! I'm not seeing any saddle or hackle feathers though so I'm pretty sure it's a pullet.

 

[Mommi3130]

I would have to say pullet also.

 

[boogiedog]

The dark body and lack of saddle feathers - pullet. Mine are pretty red-faced too.

 

[superchemicalgirl]

So when do saddle and hackle feathers start to come in for a rooster?

I have a buff laced polish rooster that doesn't (that I can tell) have any saddle or hackle feathers, and he's the same age. Interestingly his comb and wattles are less red than the Jerks, although his wattle hangs down more than the Jerks.

This chicken sexing business is hard! I've been suspicious of many of my hatchery sexed girls at one point or another in the last 9.5 weeks. Now there are only a few left on my roodar.