Tetra Tint - Pullet vs Cockerel

[tkline704]

I purchased 6 pullets from Tractor Supply - 2 Tetra Tints and 4 Golden Comets about 5 weeks old. One Tetra is slightly larger than all the others and developed feathers earlier also. Seems much more friendly and not as afraid as the others, but not in anyway agressive over the others. I just noticed it has spurs - could this mean this is a cockerel and not a hen. I'm worried because we can't have roosters in our area, and this one is by far my favorite.

 

[chicmom]

It might be male. Truth is, it's hard to tell with alot of breeds. Does it have a comb that is growing and looks bigger than the other chicks too? Often, you can't tell until they start to get their feathers...You will see saddle feathers, near the back at the top of the tail area, and also the neck feathers (hackles) will be thicker. Often roo babies will practice crowing, which sounds hilarious. Just because you see a tiny bump where the spur should be, doesn't necessarily make it a rooster, so I wouldn't worry just yet........I wish I had an exact answer for you, other than time will tell.....

 

[tkline704]

Thanks for the reply. The comb and the feathers are all similar to the others, this one just develops a little earlier than the others. What started by worries was the spur is not just a bump, they are a little larger.

 

[donrae]

Spur buds at this age don't mean anything, both genders have them. So, don't get too concerned yet! You can post a pic if you like, but with a leghorn based hybird like a tetra tint, I'm thinking a male would have a big ol comb going on about now.