Suspected cockerel turned out to be a hen?

[Sumer]

Hello,
I’m new to backyard chickens, we have 6 sweet babies, one of whom we strongly suspect is a cockerel. Of course it’s our favorite and the sweetest of the bunch and in our area we cannot keep a rooster. So I’m just wondering if anyone here has had a suspected Roo that actually turned out to be a hen?

 

[sourland]

Yes, as some breeds can be deceptive. Generally early comb development is an indicator of male gender. Can you post a picture.

 

[Sumer]

Thanks for your reply. She’s a lavender Orpington, about 5 weeks. And judging by comb definitely a boy. But I’m really wondering (hoping) if it’s possible that they can surprise us!

 

[GardenState38]

Tail also isn’t a very good sign, I’m afraid
My Lavender Orp hen’s tail was never that long at that age.
Also the wattles. Wattles don’t really appear on hens until slmost at point of lay.

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Tail doesn't show gender The comb does however. With one that big, he is definitely a he

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Tail doesn't show gender The comb does however. With one that big, he is definitely a he

x2

 

[Painted Calls]

Definitely a cockerel. I'm sorry.

 

[EmmaRainboe]

I have, yes. Multiple, actually. But that guy is definitely a cockerel. I'm sorry.

 

[GardenState38]

x2

Tail may not be definitive, but that certainly doesn’t look like a tail i’ve seen on any Orpington pullet at that age.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Tail may not be definitive, but that certainly doesn’t look like a tail i’ve seen on any Orpington pullet at that age.

I've seen plenty of long tailed pullets.

Either way, tail is almost never a good gender sign.