Jake or Tom?

[mox72]

Bagged a bird yesterday that had 1/4'' spurs and a 4'' beard and with the smallest tail fan I have ever harvested (even compared to jakes).

Sounds like a Jake right?

The bird itself was a decent size (I didnt weigh it though) but the tail feathers were all the same length and the wing feathers were rounded, so I reported it as mature. It also had a large snood.

Could this be a bird from a late or second clutch 2 years ago? or just a freak show?

[finsfurfeathers]

As a lay person not being a biologist the only way of aging a bird is the appearance of the fan. 2 center feathers longer than the rest then its classed as a jake. If its all even across the arch when opened then its classed as a adult.

[mox72]

Guess I bagged a pygmy Tom, It also didnt have the typical chest jelly/fat (not much anyway) and tasted like a Jake.

[Monster29/66]

It's a jake, spurs tell the tale of age.. Ignore the other stuff..beards tails body weight is all unique.

[bowj]

Any pictures?

[finsfurfeathers]

Guess I bagged a pygmy Tom, It also didnt have the typical chest jelly/fat (not much anyway) and tasted like a Jake.

I've said it before and I'll say it again spurs and beards are pretty to look at but taste like crap. Better to bag any bird then no bird at all. Given the chance would never pass on a jake in the hope of bagging a tom. Likewise side by side the bigger bird would always go down no matter if its Jake or tom thats usallay an after thought.

[mox72]

Any pictures?

I'll post them once I transfer from cam to comp.

[mox72]

I've said it before and I'll say it again spurs and beards are pretty to look at but taste like crap. Better to bag any bird then no bird at all. Given the chance would never pass on a jake in the hope of bagging a tom. Likewise side by side the bigger bird would always go down no matter if its Jake or tom thats usallay an after thought.

I agree, I'll take a jake anyday. Much tastier.

[sullyy]

If it weren't for the 'good size' part I'd say bearded hen.....

[mox72]

If it weren't for the 'good size' part I'd say bearded hen.....

Na, that would be cool but red head, gobbling, beard, spurs, male colouring.....