18 week Buff Orpington…gender identification please!

[BlueDawnRising]

I purchased 6 Buff Orpington chicks in December. They were three to four weeks old, according to the employee, making them 17 to 18 weeks old this week. One has more developed wattles and comb than the others.

This photo, although through the wire, shows how much more developed she is than the others. She is the fourth from the left. Pictures below are all her! Her name is Sammich because she has a bit of attitude and my son threatened to make her into a sandwich if she kept it up! Another reason we are questioning her gender I am new to this chicken adventure and don’t trust that I know enough to make a determination. I appreciate this community and have learned so much from you all! Thanks in advance!

 

[NatJ]

At that age, I think they are all pullets, getting close to ready to lay eggs. It is normal for comes and wattles to get bigger and red when that happens. She's just a little ahead of the rest.

 

[BlueDawnRising]

At that age, I think they are all pullets, getting close to ready to lay eggs. It is normal for comes and wattles to get bigger and red when that happens. She's just a little ahead of the rest.

Thank you! I was hoping that was the case but still learning! Excited for them to start laying so your comment that they are close makes me so happy!!

 

[NatJ]

Thank you! I was hoping that was the case but still learning! Excited for them to start laying so your comment that they are close makes me so happy!!

Unfortunately, it can still feel like forever from the time they are "close" until the time you actually get eggs Being impatient makes time seem to go really slowly!

 

[AinaWGSD]

Definitely all pullets. Sammie has a bigger comb than the others, but those saddle and hackle and saddle feathers are broad and rounded.

 

[FuzzyDinoNuggets]

Yup, looks like a pullet to me.

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Unfortunately, it can still feel like forever from the time they are "close" until the time you actually get eggs Being impatient makes time seem to go really slowly!

I’m feeling this for sure! The rest of my flock are 7 weeks younger. I’ve always wanted chickens and at 51 years old decided now was the time. I suppose I’ve waited 51 years, a few more months will be fine! Thanks again!

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Definitely all pullets. Sammie has a bigger comb than the others, but those saddle and hackle and saddle feathers are broad and rounded.

I have been reading about saddle and hackle feathers but didn’t trust my untrained eye. Thank you for replying!

 

[BlueDawnRising]

Yup, looks like a pullet to me.

Thank you! This makes me so happy!