Why do my Australorps look so different?

[Pequena Bandada]

Hi all - I have four 18 week old pullets (well, I *think* they're pullets). When I bought them at 12 weeks old, my two Australorps looked almost exactly alike. In the last six weeks, though, Cupcake has gotten stockier than Bourbon, and she has a large red comb and wattles. The comb and wattles developed between 15 - 17 weeks and got red between 16-18 weeks. Bourbon has absolutely no comb, no wattles, and just the tiniest pink tint to her cheeks. Her head looks exactly the same as it did at 12 weeks.

Should I be concerned about either one? Cupcake looks like the pictures I see of mature Australorp hens, so I feel like she's developing normally. Bourbon, on the other hand, worries me a little. Is she just a late bloomer? Or am I delusional and Cupcake is really a roo?

The first picture is Cupcake, the second is Bourbon.

 

[featherz]

Don't know on the chickens, but I just had to say that's a fantastic stink eye in the first photo!!

My australorps aren't old enough to comment, but my 16 week old RIR pullets have wattles and comb similar to your first chicken and I have one that's behind as well. So it does happen. I'm not good at hackle/saddle feathers yet so someone else can comment there.

 

[PetRock]

Bourbon looks just like our 21 week old BA, Precious. I'm just assuming that we are going to have to wait a while longer for eggs from her.

 

[drumstick diva]

Yes, I noticed the stink eye too!! I think Cupcake is angry that you brought up gender issues in public . lol

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Cupcake is a Roo - Bourbon Female.

 

[JustDawn]

Mrs. Fluffy Puffy :

Cupcake is a Roo - Bourbon Female.

x2​

 

[sunflowerenvy]

Quote:

 

[Mtn Cur]

cupcake should have saddle feathers if it is a rooster, going by the size.

 

[sfw2]

I don't see saddle feathers on Cupcake, either. Any chance of a side/tail view?

 

[justmeandtheflock]

I think cupcake is just developing sooner but a side shot would be helpful.