Sue, I can usually tell how my BW cockerels are going to turn out by 4-6 months but I agree, I would give them until at least 6-8 months. By then you should be able to start seeing the ones you\'ll want to cull for sure.
I\'ve been trying to get rid of all the red in my tails for example and by 4-6 months, I know if one has too much red for sure. However, I do find that it takes a while for the hackles to come in good and get rid of the webbing. I\'d be very interested in hearing from Jean (or any others) on what they\'ve found to be the case for those cockerels that they\'re turning out without any blue or black webbing in the hackles.
I\'m also interested in hearing how long it takes to see a full beard without any white?
Lastly, just FYI, next year I plan to start a project where I take pictures of my Wheatens and Blue Wheatens every week and then make an album of such through the first year. Once that is completed, I think it will be a very useful catalog to return to whenever there is a question like yours. It\'s something I\'ve been wanting to do but just haven\'t made it a priority. I think next year I\'m just gonna do it.
God Bless,