Early signs of a rooster

[fradytrc]

I have 9 buff brahma bantam chicks that are 4 weeks old. A couple of them have very distinct combs beginning to grow. Is that a good sign that they are roosters?

On the other hand some are still very smooth on their head. Is that a good sign that they are hens?

 

[dekel18042]

I have 9 buff brahma bantam chicks that are 4 weeks old. A couple of them have very distinct combs beginning to grow. Is that a good sign that they are roosters?

On the other hand some are still very smooth on their head. Is that a good sign that they are hens?

I have the most trouble distinguishing the sexes when I am raising different breeds together. If you have the same breed, then early differences can give you a clue to the sexes. Of course there can be early bloomers and those which mature later, but you can probably start making educated guesses now.
What about their wattles and keep an eye on their feathering, tail feathers and hackle feathers and neck feathers for starters.
Are you noticing a difference in the color of the combs? Early on a cockerel's comb might be darker than a pullet's which is often paler until she is almost ready to lay.

 

[CochinLover1]

I have the most trouble distinguishing the sexes when I am raising different breeds together. If you have the same breed, then early differences can give you a clue to the sexes. Of course there can be early bloomers and those which mature later, but you can probably start making educated guesses now.
What about their wattles and keep an eye on their feathering, tail feathers and hackle feathers and neck feathers for starters.
Are you noticing a difference in the color of the combs? Early on a cockerel's comb might be darker than a pullet's which is often paler until she is almost ready to lay.

Yep

 

[Michael OShay]

I have 9 buff brahma bantam chicks that are 4 weeks old. A couple of them have very distinct combs beginning to grow. Is that a good sign that they are roosters?

On the other hand some are still very smooth on their head. Is that a good sign that they are hens?

If they are cockerels their combs will redden up over the next month or so.

 

[drumstick diva]

The next 4-6 weeks should bring out the rooster "combs" in the young boys.

 

[donrae]

Brahmas are pea combed birds, so they're decently easy to sex with the three rows vs a single row. however, Brahmas are slower to mature than some other pea combed breeds, so it may take a while longer until males are noticeable.

Other signs are thicker legs and a more upright carriage. On buff birds, you also have wing coloration. Males will get darker shading on the wings, pullets will be a more even color over the entire body.