jackian Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Hi , Another one for you to spot . This is the lovely Shadow who is a Speckldey of about 20 weeks old . I have started to have my doubts about her . I am sorry the picture is not more of a close up but any clues ? Jackie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I'm voting her. Very pretty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I agree. Very pretty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 Thank you for your replies.. I am so pleased. She is a beauty and chicken owner said to me the other day she thought Shadow was a He ..and I started looking out for signs and got obsessed then she gave out this strangled gurgle yesterday I was told she was about 15 weeks but I think she was younger .She has feathers on her legs is this normal ? Jackie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Even if she was a he, I think it's too early for crowing. As for age, I've no idea I'm afraid. She looks young that's all I can say Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 The youngest we've had crow was a Leghorn at 3 ½ weeks. The oldest was a Buff Orpington at 26 weeks. Typically it is 10 -16 weeks. In my experience the first crow is an upright stance with a single gurgle. The next day you may hear that repeated several times and then the crowing starts. At that time the comb and wattles then grow quickly. Looking at the tail feathers I would have said a cockerel. Looking at the headgear at 20 weeks I would say a pullet. 'It' has the same shape and approximate feathering of a Cream Legbar hen though. So on balance my guess is a pullet, but I might well be wrong. Always easiest to sex chickens when you have many and can compare. Sexing individuals I find very difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Thanks Beantree. I was just going by the only cockerel I've had, a laced polish. He didn't crow until about 4 months. Cleopatra very quickly became Philip and found a very nice new home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 The saddle feathers suggest cockerel, and the hackle feathers look a bit pointed. The headgear, however, looks feminine. I'd say that the jury is still out on this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 It may be a bit confused and a late developer - LLB has an araucana, which has only just decided (after about 18 months) that it's male. Prior to that here were no clues from feathers, headgear or legs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keyhole kate Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 For what its worth I think a he Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mimi5 Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Having been caught out myself by a late developer in recent weeks........I'd say see if she/he crows!!! That was how I knew Then hackle feathers followed and huge head gear Keep us posted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted March 12, 2014 Author Share Posted March 12, 2014 Thank you for all your replies and I am more confused than ever I have become obsessed with watching Shadow . I am going back to the dealer tomorrow with the lovely Shadow and hopefully he will make the final decision and change her if she is a boy . if that is the case of course I would have to bring back two ..Oh what a shame ! if Shadow is a girl I will gladly keep her as she is stunning . I am almost convinced Shadow is a boy .Watch this space ! Jackie x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 Oo I can sense moorhens disease Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted March 13, 2014 Share Posted March 13, 2014 Those lesser sickle feathers are longish I think male Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted March 14, 2014 Share Posted March 14, 2014 I agree - our buff Sussex looked like a girl although had the same longer tail feathers - then the big sickle feathers popped up and beautiful golden tresses appeared on his back. But he was a girl until he crowed and then he was dispatched and roasted followed by a souping session. The only chicken I have known intimately inside and out! Now although it is a stunning bird you have I'm sort of hoping you swap for 2 more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
