8 week old RIR sex?

beautifulpirate · May 3, 2016

We had some unfortunate luck with our straight run chicks. We got four straight runs- 2 Welsummers and 2 RIR and three have been confirmed cockerels. We are unsure of one.

Here is the one we are unsure of. He/She is approximately 7-8 weeks old. It doesnt involve itself in the cockerel quarrels. With the other three confirmed cocks, when one puffs up, the other two jump up, no matter what they are doing or where in the run they are, they jump up and get in each others faces. Feathers puff up, chests are bumped and two of them eventually back down. But this one NEVER joins the quarrel. She/He just goes about his/her business. I realize the comb is large but it is not nearly as large or dark as the other RIR.

Here are some shots of the confirmed RIR roo for comparison. His coloring is lighter than the other. And his tail feathers are much more stubby.

Any insight is welcome.

sourland · May 3, 2016

I believe that the first bird pictured is a slower developing cockerel.

dries86 · May 3, 2016

gonna go with cockerel also, with that comb. Sorry

beautifulpirate · May 3, 2016

I fear the same. But on the bright aide if it does indeed turn out to be a cockerel, it means more room for more chickens once these head to freezer camp.