Black Shoulder peahen or peacock?

[old biddy]

This is our 3 1/2 month old black shoulder peachick. I am thinking male but not sure. Is it too young yet to tell?

 

[KsKingBee]

I can make a case for either sex at this point. I am leaning hen but.... the white gene is having an effect that makes it hard to say yet.

 

[old biddy]

I can make a case for either sex at this point. I am leaning hen but.... the white gene is having an effect that makes it hard to say yet.

Thank you for your comments. I'll take more pictures in another week or so to see if it becomes more obvious.

 

[Chickichickichoo]

I'm also leaning hen but maybe try getting some pictures from the front so we can see the chest pattern.

 

[old biddy]

I'm also leaning hen but maybe try getting some pictures from the front so we can see the chest pattern.

Here is a front photo...does it help?

 

[old biddy]

I can make a case for either sex at this point. I am leaning hen but.... the white gene is having an effect that makes it hard to say yet.

Did you get a chance to look at the front photo above? Does it help at all in determining the sex? I am asking again because I have a serious buyer who called me this morning but she wants a female as an eventual mate for her 9 month old peacock. I have been up front with her as to not being sure of the sex at this early stage but that I am leaning toward female...and that I have some other bird owners who have indicated leaning toward female...

So, I am wondering if the front photo showing the chest is of any help.

 

[KsKingBee]

No, it does not help at all and when I expand the pic it gets all fuzzed out. Cock BS will have either a line or a triangle in the black saddle feathers on the back that the hens do not, that is the easiest way of telling. If you really need to know right now then send off a blood sample to IQ Bird testing and for $12 they can tell you in just a few days. Print off a sample page from their website then useing a fingernail clipper and trim the talon a wee bit until you can get a drop of blood.

 

[old biddy]

No, it does not help at all and when I expand the pic it gets all fuzzed out. Cock BS will have either a line or a triangle in the black saddle feathers on the back that the hens do not, that is the easiest way of telling. If you really need to know right now then send off a blood sample to IQ Bird testing and for $12 they can tell you in just a few days. Print off a sample page from their website then useing a fingernail clipper and trim the talon a wee bit until you can get a drop of blood.

My buyer has backed out, so...there we go. But I appreciate the information on the black saddle feathers with a triangle. I recently sold a black shoulder that definitely had the triangle (spear shape) that you mention and so I know that one was a cock. This black shoulder has only a white line inside the black saddle feathers, so I guess we can't be sure at this stage of the game. I may try the IQ Bird testing as suggested. Thank you.