Hen or Rooster?

I feel silly but because I have a few different breeds of birds I'm having a hard time figuring out who needs to move on into the freezer and who's a little lady! lol The LAST thing I want to do is eat a hen when I've been waiting so long for eggs!

Of course, the ones that crow are the roosters. I've got that figured out, haha. And the ones that have little claws growing are roosters too. I was hoping I'd be able to tell by the combs but nope. I'm way to new at this!

Is it easier to sex a chicken just by checking the parts? Some are very obvious due to having no comb. I didn't think it would be this tricky!

They are all about 5-6 months old now.

What breeds are they? that will help with telling them apart.
Also if you can post pictures of the "iffy" ones many more experienced people might be able to help.
Generally pointed neck and saddle feathers are a tell tail sign at this age.

By 5 months, which is 20 weeks, you should have no problem telling the cockerels from the pullets in most breeds that people have.
Cockerels have long pointy saddle and hackle feathers and pullets don't. The pullets are starting to get redder combs and wattle because they are getting closer to laying, but the cockerels will have way bigger combs on a whole. They will be bigger and have thicker legs than pullets of the same breed as well.

The feathers at this age is the best indicator. I agree with Hidden, put up pictures, we will all tell you what is what.

Really, I think it is just because we all like looking at photos!

But really, some of the experts here (not me!) will be able to help.

I would love to post some pictures but my camera is at our other place and my phone is way too slow. Silly.

I would say the ones I'm having the hardest time with are the hatchery ameracaunas. Their combs appear the same to me.

We have Buff brahmas, orpingtons (blue, black, splash and buff), Barred rocks (mostly crosses) and a couple other breeds.

I've looked online but it's not really helping me out. I'll check some legs, combs and wattles tomorrow and see if I notice a difference

I'll be posting pictures for sure before we butcher!

Not sure what colour your Ams are. Here are a black cockerel and a black pullet. Hopefully this helps you.

Cockerel:




Pointed feathers on neck and saddle. Brighter and bigger red comb. The pointy saddle feathers are the best giveaway.


Pullet:




Round feathers in front of the tail, less upright in carriage and all over a bit 'rounder' looking.

Excellent pictures! Thank you I can sure see the difference.