What sex are my Orp chicks?

[MrsBoots]

9 weeks old and I’m curious to know what sex everyone else thinks they are. I’ve previously only had legbar/warren crosses and it’s quite easy to tell with those!

 

[Party_Chicken]

All are cockerels

 

[MrsBoots]

All are cockerels

That was exactly what I thought. Can I ask what features are telling you that? I was looking at the feather pattern, but is there an easier/more obvious way? As I only have cockerel chicks I have no comparisons available!

 

[Party_Chicken]

That was exactly what I thought. Can I ask what features are telling you that? I was looking at the feather pattern, but is there an easier/more obvious way? As I only have cockerel chicks I have no comparisons available!

The comb is very red that color will only be seen on pullets when they come into lay.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

That was exactly what I thought. Can I ask what features are telling you that?

It's the size and red color of combs and wattles at the stated age.. females would still be pale pink without much comb or wattle size. Pullets can get flushed from activity or heat but would still be much smaller, less plump for several more weeks.

Starting around 10-12 weeks (on most no hen feathered breeds) gender specific saddle feathers will be starting to come in and usually flowing more by 16 ish weeks..

I can't make out anything showing on this aspect just yet.

Actually, the ladies red up about 4 weeks before they come into lay.. in my experience.. and *most* will NOT lay before 16 weeks with some being much later than that.

 

[BastyPutt]

BO roosters are stoic and beautiful big birds. I don't know about having 5 of them, but they are great roosters.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

I skimmed through some BYC threads that show what a 9-week-old BO pullet comb should look like, but discovered there aren't many! I think that's because when most post photos at this age, it's because the chick is feared to be a cockerel, and it nearly always is. In the thread linked below, post #6 shows what a 9-week-old BO pullet comb should look like.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/buff-orpington-and-easter-egger-9-weeks-old.1580368/

 

[MrsBoots]

It's the size and red color of combs and wattles at the stated age.. females would still be pale pink without much comb or wattle size. Pullets can get flushed from activity or heat but would still be much smaller, less plump for several more weeks.

Starting around 10-12 weeks (on most no hen feathered breeds) gender specific saddle feathers will be starting to come in and usually flowing more by 16 ish weeks..

View attachment 3537537
View attachment 3537538
I can't make out anything showing on this aspect just yet.

Actually, the ladies red up about 4 weeks before they come into lay.. in my experience.. and *most* will NOT lay before 16 weeks with some being much later than that.

Thank you that’s really helpful to know!