What age do the cockerel pointy saddle feathers come in?

Jun 9, 2023
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My chicks are just over 5 weeks old. I am noticing some difference in the saddle feathers. 5 weeks is a bit too early for that right?
Photo 1 came from the back of my obvious cockerel. Are these the pointy saddle feathers at this age? It's too soon for that right?

Photo 2 is from one of the other chicks. The rest all look like this. Rounded saddle feathers.
 

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This is the obvious cockerel with the crazy feathers. I know he's a male but darn those are weird feathers at this age.
 

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This.
Male saddle feathers don't usually come in until 12 weeks old. I'm not sure if those are truly male feathers coming in very early or if it's just feathering out funny.



I'm guessing the feathers aren't fully formed yet, so they look odd. Please keep us posted. Will be interesting to see how those feathers turn out. A week or two should be enough to tell
 
My chicks are just over 5 weeks old. I am noticing some difference in the saddle feathers. 5 weeks is a bit too early for that right?
Photo 1 came from the back of my obvious cockerel. Are these the pointy saddle feathers at this age? It's too soon for that right?

Photo 2 is from one of the other chicks. The rest all look like this. Rounded saddle feathers.
Average is between 4½ to 12 weeks.

Average with mine of early maturing chicks is 5-7 weeks.
 
A couple 7 week old cockerels.
#1.
Number 1 actually started to show saddles at 5 weeks.
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#2
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Oh wow so by 5 weeks they are early maturing but can have saddle feathers for sure. I had not remembered any of my cockerels getting their saddle feathers til around 8-9 weeks..this one is a first for me. Nice photos!
Thanks.
Some take longer to get saddles. I've had a couple that didn't get saddles till around 4-6 months of age. Late bloomers are rare, but happen.
 
This.




I'm guessing the feathers aren't fully formed yet, so they look odd. Please keep us posted. Will be interesting to see how those feathers turn out. A week or two should be enough to tell
Updated photos at 6 weeks old. Looks like little pointy feathers. How interesting
 

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