The Chick Inn Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 I have 2 young buff orp chickens which I bought off a breeder last Sept. They are now around 37/38 weeks old. No eggs from them. I have long suspected that 1 may be a cockerel....well now I know! A slightly pathetic but definite crow both yesterday and today I suspected it was a cockerel because it has large, very red head gear along with slightly curved tail feathers. The breeder will replace him, so not too worried. However, I'm concerned that the other may be a cockerel too! Its headgear isn't as large/red, but still a fair size. Its tail feathers also don't look curved and i thought its head looked smaller. BUT it's the same large size as the other, both have tall, chunky legs and of course it hasn't laid anything yet either. But the 2nd one hasn't crowed....yet! This is my first experience with Orps - they are beautiful, lovely birds, but so hard to sex! I wonder if any of you can spot any tell tale signs from these photos: Cockerel on the right here: Cockerel tail feathers: Other bird's tail feathers: Cockerel at the front here: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chick Inn Posted January 14, 2014 Author Share Posted January 14, 2014 You may have to click on photo for full image Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentuckyfried Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Couldn't say for sure, but my guess would be 2 boys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miller30 Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Hi sorry both boys they have saddle feathers starting to show Leanne. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 I was in two minds before I saw the close ups, the second one doesnt have a particularly male head or tail ...but I think they are both males because you can see the very fine side hangers emerging (the thin feathers that hang down from the small of the back before the tail) females simply dont develop these Usually in any group of cockerels there will be one that matures faster than the others and becomes dominant. If you remove that one suddenly a proper male will spring up from the others! That would explain the different looks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Yep, I'd say that you won't be getting any eggs from the second bird either. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavclojak Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Yep, I'd say that you won't be getting any eggs from the second bird either. That was hilarious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennie186 Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 I have 2 buff Orpington girls and their combs are much smaller than those in your photo. will try to attach photo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted January 14, 2014 Share Posted January 14, 2014 Another vote for two chaps here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted January 15, 2014 Share Posted January 15, 2014 2 boys - neither is fully grown yet. The 2nd lad is virtually a carbon copy of the first, just a bit less developed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Chick Inn Posted January 15, 2014 Author Share Posted January 15, 2014 Oh dear! Thank you all for your replies anyway! I appreciate your opinions and I think you're probably right sadly - I hate to part with them as they're beautiful boys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
