Backyard Poultry Forum

I have two 10 week old Speckled Sussex that have completely different feathering.
I've never had this breed before, so I'm not really sure what to look for. (They do come from a reputable breeder.)
The one that's predominantly brown looks like the more "normal" feathering by what I have seen from others photos.
Is it normal for the other one to be so white?
Also, I think the white one is a rooster, & the brown one might be a pullet? The photos don't show it well, but they're exactly the same size, & I can't really see any difference in their legs. If I like under the feathers, the white one 'might' be developing brown saddle feathers & hackles - not sure though.
What do you all think?

At 10 weeks yes I would be agreeing with your sexing ideas.

The male has too much white for my liking, but hang off a little longer another moult may improve it somewhat (Don't think it will make a huge difference though.)


ron

_________________
"To the Core"

Thanks for your feedback Ron. Yes, I guess his feathering might look better after a moult.

Yes, a boy and a girl. He is definitely badly marked and all you can do is wait to see if he loses some of the excess after his juvenile moult, although be warned after adult moults, the white tends to increase, not decrease.

I have seen this but also the reverse.
A well marked male after his first adult moult went almost like a RIR with only a little white in the hackle feathers.
Our two current girls are just moulting now and definitely have improved their white markings for this show season,



Ron

_________________
"To the Core"

That's good to hear I have only experienced the increase in white and not to the birds benefit. However, most of my stock don't change much at all, which is also good