What age do saddle feathers come in?

[The Lisser]

And does it vary by breed?

Thanks!
Melissa

 

[The Lisser]

8 weeks? 10? Anybody?

Thanks!
Melissa

 

[RM44]

I have only 1 experience; a slow growing heritage RIR. He was 5 months old before I was "sure" he was a Rooster, and even then his saddle feathers weren't completely in (they weren't long and "drape-y"). The most telling sign for me was that he was very oily and shiny; much different looking than the hens. And he had bigger comb and waddles. He didn't crow until he was almost 6 months old.

Good luck figuring yours out. It's kind of fun learning new things as you explore chicken keeping.

 

[warmfuzzies]

It does depend on the breed and indiviual chicken, but I have seen them as early as 8 weeks on Partridge Rocks, and much slower on cochins. I would guess around 12 weeks on average. Any experts out there??