The Wyandotte Thread

[KDH]

OK, I'm getting confused (it's not hard to confuse me). I posted this over on the Breed/Gender thread, but I want to ask here on the Wyandotte thread, too, because, well, these are Wyandottes.

They are 7 weeks old in these pictures. I don't know if they are pullets or cockerels. I am getting both opinions. Part of what is confusing me is that I've been making assumptions according to the size/redness of their combs and especially their wattles (assuming smaller and less red to be hens). Those who say these are roos say so based on redish combs/wattles. HOWEVER, when I look at the hens on these Wyandotte pages, they all have red combs/wattles - just smaller than the roos. Hence my confusion. What's a roo and what's a hen?

So, Wyandotte experts, please weigh in with your opinions.

1.

2.

3. This is all four of them together - sorry the lighting isn't very good.

Thanks very much!

 

[Katy]

In the picture of all four together they all look like roos to me.

As far as the hens having red wattles and combs...yes they do, but not until they are several months old and getting close to laying. My pullets don't get any hint of red until they are much, much older.

 

[rsf31tmp]

so if I have SLW that were born at the end of Feb. and they have lots of red wattles, they are roos?

One of 12 has a yellow comb, 4 or so have no wattles and a few have smaller wattles?

The ones that have bright red hanging down are roos?

 

[ultasol]

Attack Chicken: I don't know if they are still up, but Daniel Jerome had some bantam white wyandotte eggs on eggbid. His line is fantastic, he has very high quality birds.

 

[flower]

Is the recipe for cresting a BLRW crossing a GLW x Mahogany or using SLW x Columbian(red)

I know that the BLRW are a newer color. Who knows the history ?

 

[Katy]

Quote:
The one with the yellowish comb is more than likely a pullet, but at that age if they have any amount of red, they more than likely are roos.

Pictures always help to make the diagnosis!

 

[rsf31tmp]

I will get some pics, where can I get the bands so I can identify my chicks?

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Most poultry supply places sell them, or just go get some different color zip ties and use them. Just make sure to keep a close watch on them....they grow fast and whatever you use needs to be changed out often.

 

[KDH]

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Ah, OK - that helps me understand the hens with red.

Well, I guess I'm just going to have to wait and see if these either eventually start crowing or laying eggs (or both).

 

[PitterPatterPalace]

Quote:
Grrr... I'm concerned now, Katy, that mine may be boys too. Off to take some glamour shots of the "girls" this weekend...