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Roo or pullet (buff orpington)?

post #1 of 15
3/27/12 at 3:43pm
Thread Starter 

I did some research on the forums here, but I’m completely new to chickens so I wanted to post the question here to see what responses I get.  I’m a little worried one of my pullets is actually a roo since it’s developing a larger comb faster than the others and it’s turning red faster than the others.  I have two buff orpingtons and one is a bit larger than the other and has a pronounced comb that is starting to turn red, while my other orpington still has a buff colored comb.  I posted a photo of both of my orpingtons for comparison (I'm curious about the one on the top of the photo).  They should be roughly the same age, about 4 weeks old, since I got them at the same time.  Is it too early to tell if I have a boy on my hands?  I’d love any thoughts/advice on when I can tell for sure if it’s a roo. 

 

 

2012-03-25 16.15.11.jpg

 

Thanks in advance!  I’m completely new to chickens and this forum has been an immense help!

 

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post #2 of 15
3/27/12 at 3:46pm

Yep - you got yourself a little pair.

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Enjoying my 10-acres of country heaven with 50+ chickens, turkeys and muscovy ducks!

 

Read about my fox attack here

Read a fox attack survival story here

How to build a hoop house in 10 easy steps here

 

Are you from Kansas? (Click to show)

Come and join us on the Consolidated Kansas thread.  Don't try to read it all - just hit "reply", introduce yourself and join in the conversation:...

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post #3 of 15
3/27/12 at 3:52pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by HEChicken View Post

Yep - you got yourself a little pair.



Thanks for such a quick response - that's what I was afraid of hit.gif  

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post #4 of 15
3/27/12 at 3:56pm
  • gryeyes
  • Platinum Poultry
  • Covered in Pet Hair & Feathers
Oh, what a nice pair o' Buff Orps!

Is there a reason you don't want cockerels? Like local laws or something? Because *I* think no flock is complete without a rooster.

And BO roosters are GORGEOUS!

-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

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-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

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post #5 of 15
3/27/12 at 4:21pm

Are Buff Orphington roosters delicious? Because I"m going to eat my extra ones. I have 18 straight run right now and I see at least 5 with pink combs at about 3 weeks old.

~2 Golden Comets, 3 Production Reds, 6 Speckled Sussex ~
~Active Rabbit Shower and Raiser for 10 years, currently specializing in Mini Rex~
~Proud best friend of American Eskimo Dog, Westley & Pit Bull Rescue, Luna~
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~2 Golden Comets, 3 Production Reds, 6 Speckled Sussex ~
~Active Rabbit Shower and Raiser for 10 years, currently specializing in Mini Rex~
~Proud best friend of American Eskimo Dog, Westley & Pit Bull Rescue, Luna~
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post #6 of 15
3/27/12 at 4:24pm

Yep that's a roo! So cute!

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post #7 of 15
3/27/12 at 4:39pm

Based on comb size/color, it looks like a rooster to me! hugs.gif

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How to Insert Pictures on the BYC Forum: http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/inserting-pics-in-on-the-new-byc 

 

"Dogs work with us, not for us"- Unknown

 

 

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post #8 of 15
3/27/12 at 4:56pm
  • gryeyes
  • Platinum Poultry
  • Covered in Pet Hair & Feathers
Quote:
Originally Posted by Connorrm View Post

Are Buff Orphington roosters delicious? Because I"m going to eat my extra ones. I have 18 straight run right now and I see at least 5 with pink combs at about 3 weeks old.


They're as delicious as any other chicken breed; after all, BOs are one of the "dual purpose" breeds, meaning good as layers and good for meat. I'd process the cockerels no earlier than 18-20 weeks of age, and 24 weeks would still be fine.

-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

Reply

-- Linda (AKA: gryeyes)
I refuse to fight a battle of wits with an unarmed person.

Buncha Outdoor PET chickens, ducks, two Toulouse ganders, and four turkeys. Plus 2 wiener dogs, some bunnies and a rescue cat which owns me. Oh. And a house silkie....

Reply
post #9 of 15
3/27/12 at 8:23pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by gryeyes View Post


They're as delicious as any other chicken breed; after all, BOs are one of the "dual purpose" breeds, meaning good as layers and good for meat. I'd process the cockerels no earlier than 18-20 weeks of age, and 24 weeks would still be fine.


x2.  Because I currently live in a city where roosters aren't allowed, the first crow was the decision point for me.  My BO roos crowed around 16-17 weeks of age.  In my first batch of straight run, in addition to the BO roos, I had a couple of Barred Rock X's.  I let one of them stay until he was 25 weeks (and crowing all day, which is why DH said "this just can't go on").  I couldn't tell a difference in the tenderness of the meat, even though there was an obvious physical difference between the 17-weekers and the 25-weeker.

Enjoying my 10-acres of country heaven with 50+ chickens, turkeys and muscovy ducks!

 

Read about my fox attack here

Read a fox attack survival story here

How to build a hoop house in 10 easy steps here

 

Are you from Kansas? (Click to show)

Come and join us on the Consolidated Kansas thread.  Don't try to read it all - just hit "reply", introduce yourself and join in the conversation:...

Reply

Enjoying my 10-acres of country heaven with 50+ chickens, turkeys and muscovy ducks!

 

Read about my fox attack here

Read a fox attack survival story here

How to build a hoop house in 10 easy steps here

 

Are you from Kansas? (Click to show)

Come and join us on the Consolidated Kansas thread.  Don't try to read it all - just hit "reply", introduce yourself and join in the conversation:...

Reply
post #10 of 15
3/27/12 at 8:31pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by gryeyes View Post

Oh, what a nice pair o' Buff Orps!
Is there a reason you don't want cockerels? Like local laws or something? Because *I* think no flock is complete without a rooster.
And BO roosters are GORGEOUS!


Yeah, we live in the suburbs and roosters aren't allowed.  They are very pretty and this one would make a great pet - but the neighbors wouldn't appreciate it.

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