Hen or Roo? Partridge Cochins

[CHICKEN BUFF]

Just got this pair from a neighbor. I adore Cochins, and have four (1 roo, 3 hens) in my large mixed flock. These are estimated to be between 5 and 6 weeks old. I'm hoping both are hens.... What do you think?

 

[junebuggena]

The one with the darker chest is probably male.

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

I haven't had this variety of Cochins before. Are feather colors and patterns different at this age according to sex?

 

[junebuggena]

They are like any other partridge colored breed. Males and females have very different plumage. The females have a golden base color with penciling uniformly over their whole body. Males have an all black with red accents color scheme.

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

Kind of like Easter Eggers? They're the only chickens with similar coloring that I'm familiar with. I was REALLY surprised at how the roos changed in color as they matured.

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

My chicks are now almost 8 weeks old. The one we thought was a roo has not developed any further color in the comb -- no pink or red. No wattle development yet, and the comb is no larger than it was. In fact, the hen's comb is catching up in size!

I know it's a long shot, but I can't help but cross my fingers that both chicks are hens. I have two roosters in my flock already.

Will post some pics this week (it's raining like crazy right now).

 

[HarleyQuinn]

Here's my partridge cochin, she/he is about 7 1/2 weeks old now. I have never had any before, any guesses if it's a hen or roo?

 

[junebuggena]

Here's my partridge cochin, she/he is about 7 1/2 weeks old now. I have never had any before, any guesses if it's a hen or roo?

With that much comb/wattle development, and that dark chest, it's a boy.

 

[HarleyQuinn]

Blasted. I had my suspicions...thanks!

 

[CHICKEN BUFF]

I just wanted to let you know that you were RIGHT ON with the sexing. At almost 15 weeks, one's a lovely hen and the other's a handsome rooster. The rooster developed a lot more black feathers, so much so that I would not have guessed he's a partridge Cochin if I hadn't seen him when he was little.