UPDATE w/proof: 6wo EE 'pullet' carries tail very high...

[fratermus]

Clickable thumbnails follow.

We have two EEs. At 6 weeks there don't appear to be any saddle feathers or definition in the hackles to give hints, but I need to start making plans ASAP if one is a cockerel.

One is quiet and keeps her tail down (foreground). The other whines a great deal, is flightier, and holds the tail upright and spread out (background):


Here is a clearer side shot of the suspect:


The tail carriage has me worried I've got a possible cockeral, but I have read that EE roos don't come in this color scheme. I'm hoping the upright tail is a symptom of this bird's flightiness and not its gender....

 

[SpringChickens]

EEs are notoriously hard to sex; I wouldn't panic yet. Doesn't look like a roo to me.

 

[key west chick]

Looks like a pullet.

 

[sherrydeanne]

Definately a pullet; she has a really nice tail. No worries

 

[Morgan7782]

Pullet. My cockerel's tail was upright and narrow 24/7. My EE pullet's tail is similar to yours but fans out when she is startled or anything.

 

[fratermus]

Thanks so much. If it turns out otherwise I'll be sure to post about it.

I think I'll give her a name now.

 

[RachelFromTheBlackLagoon]

Just as a side note, I don't believe those telltale saddle and hackle feather develop on cockerels for another several weeks.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Both are pullets. EE's tend to have a higher tail set.

Here's my EE hen:

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

All three of my EE's have their tails down...never up...they are 10 weeks old.

 

[boogiedog]

Looks like my EE pullets - most dramatic, gorgeous tails!