Speckled Sussex 11 weeks Hen or Roo?

[PouleChick]

This one is a tough call, but I think it is probably a cockerel because of comb size and also by judging it in comparison to your other youngsters.

That was what I was thinking.

female chickens can and do get spurs, too, and they can be pretty large ones. So the little bump that could appear at 11 weeks where the spurs will later develop can be present in both sexes.

Thank you - I didn't know that! That is my new nugget of chicken know how for the day!

 

[hypnozze]

Hello! As an owner of 7 Speckled Sussex chickens, I can say that you have a roo. My roo is 5 months old now and doesn't have any spurs either.

 

[Phage]

Hi!
Yet another impatient chicken mom here. What do you all think? Hen or Roo? Purchased as a pullet. The comb is actually rather pale pink unless the sunlight hits just right. She is broad across the back; bottom of the totem pole with 5 other chickens. Definately was less social as a little one, and consView attachment 1566622 View attachment 1566623 View attachment 1566625 View attachment 1566626 View attachment 1566627 View attachment 1566628 View attachment 1566629 View attachment 1566630 tantly on the move. Very difficult to hang on to when finally picking her up. Thanks ahead for your opinions!

Watching!
I am thinking roo

 

[TheLittleFarm18]

I vote roo also, vie had roo and pullet of a speckled Beautiful bird he was as is yours

 

[Cyprus]

That is a cockerel, here is why:
1) He has saddle feathers
2) The solid red on his back and shoulders is male specific
3) He has too large of a comb

Spurs do not typically develop until 8 or 9 months. Male feathering is not mature until at least 3 months. Also, notice how he is larger than your pullets.

Best,
Cyprus

 

[TheLittleFarm18]

ditto about comb, my pullet Sussex started laying before she had a comb, I was shocked when I found her nest because she was the first to lay but looked the furthest from ready. Mr Marty had comb from pretty early on, at a few weeks I noticed he was the first to sprout one

 

[hypnozze]

These are my pullets at 20 weeks. Their combs are not as near as large as your roo's.

 

[ChickenBeliever]

That is a cockerel, here is why:
1) He has saddle feathers
2) The solid red on his back and shoulders is male specific
3) He has too large of a comb

Spurs do not typically develop until 8 or 9 months. Male feathering is not mature until at least 3 months. Also, notice how he is larger than your pullets.

Best,
Cyprus

Yes, definately larger but started out very slow in developing. Caught up to size and is more sloppy as she/he bounds about. Not as graceful sitting on a ledge. Noticed more white spots on top today. Sure wish I could let my heart free, but still guarded for a good reason. Thanks for the update on the feathers. I will repost when definitive!

 

[ChickenBeliever]

Honestly, I don't have a timeline on spur development. Just thinking something should be showing by now if a cockerel. Maybe a good research project on the Net. Don't worry about the tail feathers. just the neck hackle and your birds are wider and rounder at the ends, thus pullet. My pullets hatched July 19th this year have no more comb development than this girl of yours.

At What Age Do Spurs Develop on a Cockerel?
By Jen Davis
https://animals.mom.me/age-spurs-develop-cockerel-6685.html
excerpt from article:
"Spur Growth and Development
The spur starts out so small you cannot see it, but will grow as your bird develops. Some cockerels will have fully developed spurs by the time they are 3 months old. Others may take as long as 8 or 9 months before a functional spur develops fully. Spurs continue to grow as your bird ages, so an older rooster may have significantly longer spurs than a young rooster."
Karen

Thank you Karen! I found this article also, but great that you posted it here. Makes it easier for others! Appreciate it!

 

[Chickens4Life101]

I am thinking cockerell, due to the early waddle development. But I could be wrong, since I have never had that breed and they just may be early to grow their waddles.