Will Easter Eggers combs vary in size simply because they are mutts??

[A.T. Hagan]

I am working on a Production Easter Egger project this year which involves three separate flocks of hens (White Leghorn, red sex-link, very mixed EEs) and three roosters (White Leghorn, two white EEs of unknown provenance that meet the Ameracauna standards). The combs on the birds resulting from those matings are all over the maps. pea combs, single combs, odd looking fusions of the two. Been quite the interesting time of comparing and contrasting to sort out the boys from the girls.

Comb size can be indicative of a cockerel with such a mixed bag, but not by itself. A large comb combined with larger (as in thicker) legs and a generally more upright attitude can make it pretty certain. They boys will begin shipping out soon while the girls will stay so it is important to me to know for sure who is what.

 

[DianePW72]

Based on this thread, I'm hoping someone can weigh in on these EEs (9 weeks old). The one on the right is def a rooster (started crowing at around 8 weeks and is pretty aggressive). The one on the left has a much smaller, paler comb and is very docile (lets the kids carry her around). I'm hopeful it's a girl. Can anyone confirm?

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Based on this thread, I'm hoping someone can weigh in on these EEs (9 weeks old). The one on the right is def a rooster (started crowing at around 8 weeks and is pretty aggressive). The one on the left has a much smaller, paler comb and is very docile (lets the kids carry her around). I'm hopeful it's a girl. Can anyone confirm?

Even though the one in question has a smaller pale comb, those dark red blotches on the wings show a roo for EEs, so I am conflicted. Full body pics might help as well as a close up of the comb. Note also that many people report very friendly behavior in the young ones that turn out to be roos and are often dismayed that their favorite is a rooster. I won't be surprised if this one's a roo. Sorry.

 

[DianePW72]

Thanks for the input. I'll try to get some more photos ... we can't have roosters where we live so I'll cling to some hope for now.

 

[DianePW72]

Here's a close-up, showing the comb. Will try to take a full body photo later. Thanks again!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Here's a close-up, showing the comb. Will try to take a full body photo later. Thanks again!

I saw your post on the EE sexing thread. Sounds like it might be bad news, but will be thinking girly thoughts for you. Did you see the post on that thread that came after yours, about "Amelia"? Another almost all red EE. You can see how these types cause confusion when sexing! Will be curious to know the outcome. Hope you keep us posted!

 

[DianePW72]

I saw your post on the EE sexing thread. Sounds like it might be bad news, but will be thinking girly thoughts for you. Did you see the post on that thread that came after yours, about "Amelia"? Another almost all red EE. You can see how these types cause confusion when sexing! Will be curious to know the outcome. Hope you keep us posted!

Thanks! I will certainly keep you posted on developments.

 

[Tracyree]

Although over the last week that comb got even bigger and bright red, she also started squatting and I caught her laying an egg!!!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Although over the last week that comb got even bigger and bright red, she also started squatting and I caught her laying an egg!!!

Egggratulations.

I think what A.T. Hagen said at the top of this page is the best answer for your original question. The Voice of Experience speaks. EEs are difficult to sex because of the mixed "pedigree" which causes a wide variation in traits and colors. EE isn't actually a breed, of course, and many people have their own version of a "standard." For me, the blue/green egg is the best part of an EE.

What color egg did your pullet lay??