What gender are these Ameraucanas?

[huckleberryfarm]

Here are my 6 Ameraucanas: 1 splash, 1 blue and the rest black. They are 13 weeks old. I haven't a clue! Thanks!

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

 

[sonew123]

roo
pullet
pullet
roo
roo
roo

I hope Im wrong:-( but they are so perdy!

 

[huckleberryfarm]

I thought the blue was a pullet. I was really hoping the splash was one. I think I'm blind to the roo characterisitics on purpose! Of course, a roo or two would help me get some pretty babies of my own!

 

[Illia]

Quote:
Same here. 2 and 3 are definite girls, but the rest are likely boys. I do also hope I'm wrong though!

 

[Newyorkrita]

Quote:
Same here. 2 and 3 are definite girls, but the rest are likely boys. I do also hope I'm wrong though!

I am as clueless as the person that posted the pictures. How do you know that two and three are girls? I can't see any difference

Please tell me what to look at to see the difference.

 

[Illia]

Quote:
The two girls look, really, like pullets almost ready to lay. Their combs are getting a little color, yeah, but there's no neck difference, no extra sheen in the black, no curled cockerel feather development, etc. I think after a while of seeing so many BBS Ameraucanas grow up, it's hard to describe how you know. . . It's just something you learn.

A pullet, much like the black one, will have a nice tail, fanned in an A frame, with no curvation (but there can be slightly curved feathers at the rump) and will have normal neck feathers that go right into the back feathers. A cockerel's neck feathers will stop at an angle, then begin with back feathers. This is the sign of hackles almost ready to grow in. Also, a cockerel will have a smaller tail at this age, and it will curve quite a bit.

Another thing to look for is the face - the comb will be bigger and redder, the waddles will be present and curving down with the neck, and the beard will be smaller. Also, the eyes will have a more hawk-like appearance.

 

[huckleberryfarm]

Thanks, Illia. That helps a lot. Ameraucanas are hard for me due to the lack of a big comb and wattles. I was convinced my last set were all girls. Even when they started crowing! I think I was still trying to convince myself. I let those roos go so if I'm okay with one of these being a roo.... but only one!

 

[Newyorkrita]

Quote:
The two girls look, really, like pullets almost ready to lay. Their combs are getting a little color, yeah, but there's no neck difference, no extra sheen in the black, no curled cockerel feather development, etc. I think after a while of seeing so many BBS Ameraucanas grow up, it's hard to describe how you know. . . It's just something you learn.

A pullet, much like the black one, will have a nice tail, fanned in an A frame, with no curvation (but there can be slightly curved feathers at the rump) and will have normal neck feathers that go right into the back feathers. A cockerel's neck feathers will stop at an angle, then begin with back feathers. This is the sign of hackles almost ready to grow in. Also, a cockerel will have a smaller tail at this age, and it will curve quite a bit.

Another thing to look for is the face - the comb will be bigger and redder, the waddles will be present and curving down with the neck, and the beard will be smaller. Also, the eyes will have a more hawk-like appearance.

Thanks. I will study the pictures and the explination. Trying to get smarter here

Honestly I am sure I will just be posting pictures and asking when I do get some Ameraucanas. They are lovely birds. And just love those really blue eggs.

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
The two girls look, really, like pullets almost ready to lay. Their combs are getting a little color, yeah, but there's no neck difference, no extra sheen in the black, no curled cockerel feather development, etc. I think after a while of seeing so many BBS Ameraucanas grow up, it's hard to describe how you know. . . It's just something you learn.

A pullet, much like the black one, will have a nice tail, fanned in an A frame, with no curvation (but there can be slightly curved feathers at the rump) and will have normal neck feathers that go right into the back feathers. A cockerel's neck feathers will stop at an angle, then begin with back feathers. This is the sign of hackles almost ready to grow in. Also, a cockerel will have a smaller tail at this age, and it will curve quite a bit.

Another thing to look for is the face - the comb will be bigger and redder, the waddles will be present and curving down with the neck, and the beard will be smaller. Also, the eyes will have a more hawk-like appearance.

I couldnt tell if I didnt have some myself-Im only good at the breeds I own-not others:-(

 

[huckleberryfarm]

Me, too! I'm usually pretty good except with Ameraucaunas. They mess me up! Can I breed a Splash roo to the Blue & Black hens? Or would a black be better? What about with my black Marans hen for Olive Eggers? I just love that splash. I want to keep him! He's always off in trouble. Roos have the best personalities!