I'll rebut that statement...spur length
can be an indicator, as
can beard length.
Typically, the older a bird the longer the beard and the longer & sharper the spurs.
However, this can all be changed by environment...ie ice storms can snap beards, as can brittle-beard rot, and spurs can be excessively worn down due to rocky terrain located throughout the US.
As far as I'm concerned, if it's got a full fan it's a tom...and it's good enough for me
