When looking for roo characteristics....

[Lobzi]

what shows first would you say, the hackle feathers or the saddle feathering? Do pointy feathers near the top and high neck indicate hackle feathers? I read a thread on here that said look near the middle of the back for the hackle feathers to show and that some hen have somewhat pointy feathers on the neck too. Im hoping for some hens from my hen's brood of about 3 months ago and it is so hard to tell. One for sure looks to be a roo due to the larger size and longer legs, as well as the coloring. The other two Im uncertain.

 

[bethandjoeync]

i think it really depends on the chick and the breed. sometimes the combs are more noticiable than the feathers are at first. I know on my two RIR roo, I noticed irridescent black and green tail feathers. and their backs were feathering in more shiny than any of my other chicks. also roos tend feather slower than pullets, well mine did anyways.

and for the pointy neck feathers, it seems many of my pullets have pointy neck feathers too, so not sure if that is a good indication

hope that helps!

 

[Lobzi]

It does, thank you. Im keeping and eye out for saddle feathers. I have a solid white one that hope is a hen. The coloration doesnt give a clue so I was checking feather shape.