Speckled Sussex cockerel not developing

[LittleMiss92]

I’ve had this guy about a month, and was about 3-3.5 months when I got him. His tail feathers were as developed as they are now, but as you can see his saddle and hackle feathers aren’t there. He is not crowing at all or attempting which I know can be different for each rooster. But I feel like something isn’t right. He also hates his girls and just attacks them. He’s good with me though.

My question is, is it normal for this guy to be this far developed, I feel like it should be further.

 

[JedJackson]

He's just a late developer. Cockerels usually don't get male specific feathering until 12 weeks of age. You say he is 3 to 3.5 weeks old, which is 12 to 14 weeks, so he's not far behind normal. He looks big and healthy for his age. He is definitely not ready to mate, but if he is attacking other chickens for no reason at all then I would separate him. If the fighting is coming from both sides, then that is normal.

 

[LittleMiss92]

He's just a late developer. Cockerels usually don't get male specific feathering until 12 weeks of age. You say he is 3 to 3.5 weeks old, which is 12 to 14 weeks, so he's not far behind normal. He looks big and healthy for his age. He is definitely not ready to mate, but if he is attacking other chickens for no reason at all then I would separate him. If the fighting is coming from both sides, then that is normal.

He is 4-4.5 months now. But that good to know, thank you.

 

[JedJackson]

He is 4-4.5 months now. But that good to know, thank you.

Oh, sorry. That means he is pretty late in development. At at what age did the comb and wattles start to grow and redden?

 

[LittleMiss92]

Oh, sorry. That means he is pretty late in development. At at what age did the comb and wattles start to grow and redden?

I’ve had him a month. I don’t really remember. All I remember is his tail was the same as it is now when I got him.

 

[JedJackson]

Okay. There is a chance it is female. Pullets can get that type of tail feathers, just not the thin icicle saddle feathers. So that is something to look into. I wish the lighting was a little more clear in those photos, especially the shoulders and saddle area. If you can, take new pictures and post them. In the meantime you possibly have a pullet.

I will call in reinforcements to see what they have to say, although they probably won't respond until tomorrow.

@MysteryChicken @Overo Mare @3KillerBs @sourland @TheOddOneOut

 

[LittleMiss92]

Okay. There is a chance it is female. Pullets can get that type of tail feathers, just not the thin icicle saddle feathers. So that is something to look into. I wish the lighting was a little more clear in those photos, especially the shoulders and saddle area. If you can, take new pictures and post them. In the meantime you possibly have a pullet.

I will call in reinforcements to see what they have to say, although they probably won't respond until tomorrow.

@MysteryChicken @Overo Mare @3KillerBs @sourland @TheOddOneOut

Sounds like a plan

 

[LittleMiss92]

Sounds like a plan

Weird thing happened with the photos uploading. The photo where he is with another Pullet is from about 2 weeks ago

 

[JedJackson]

I think it is a very late developing cockerel but let's see what others have to say.

 

[LittleMiss92]

Just got these ones.