Talk to me about saddle feathers

[FyshWyfe]

How old does a bird have to be before you can use saddle feathers as a sexing clue?
What are you looking for exactly? And does anyone have pictures for a visual learner?
Are there some breeds this does not apply to?
TIA

 

[SeaisforChicken]

I'll bump this because I'm interested too... Anyone want to share a feather sexing secret?

 

[AUChick9202]

I want to know too....please someone help us

 

[Judy]

I think all roos get saddle feathers as they mature. They start showing up somewhere around 12 or 14 weeks, I think. Here is a chart from the learning center that will tell you where to look: https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-anatomy.html

They are toward the back of the chicken but in front of the tail; they are long pointy feathers. You should be able to see plenty of examples in the breeds section or other sections where there are lots of pics of roosters.