17 1/2 weeks old - Buff Orpington and Black Copper Maran - Rooster or Hen?

[Vorenus41]

I have Buff Orpingtons and Black Copper Marans that are currently 17 1/2 weeks old. I have two of my flock that I believe may be roosters - one of each breed. Here are some pictures of each. I don't have any experience with them at this age, so please let me know what you think they are and what specific characteristics make you think that. From what I've read and can see - this Buff has a comb and waddles that are more red and developed than the other. The Maran's don't necessarily seem more red, but do seem more developed. I've heard you can tell from the feathers as well, but I don't know what I'm looking for.

 

[Squawkers]

I believe I see all pullets

 

[tlcmurphy]

Agree with pullets, looks like the BO is about to lay
At that age cockerels would be crowing

 

[Vorenus41]

Agree with pullets, looks like the BO is about to lay
At that age cockerels would be crowing

Thank you. I bought them through mail order and they are all supposed to be the same age, but I couldn't get over how much more developed and red the comb and wattles are on the BO compared to the others. I was under the impression they would be around 24 weeks before they began to lay for those two breeds, so I thought they were still a month and a half away. How close do you think the BO is to laying?

 

[tlcmurphy]

Thank you. I bought them through mail order and they are all supposed to be the same age, but I couldn't get over how much more developed and red the comb and wattles are on the BO compared to the others. I was under the impression they would be around 24 weeks before they began to lay for those two breeds, so I thought they were still a month and a half away. How close do you think the BO is to laying?

One of my BOs laid at 19 weeks the other at 22 weeks. I was convinced the first one was a he right until I saw her drop an egg with my own eyes