Is my EE a rooster?

[GlazyChicken]

Ok here’s a weird one. I bought 2 EE chicks about 16 weeks ago that were “sexed” as hens. Everything about them has seemed mostly hennish except that one of them, Flora, sprouted a beautiful colorful plumage and these gorgeous flowing tail feathers. I assumed it was just a cool trait since Easter Eggers are mixed breeds right? Also, she has hardly any comb, absolutely no wattle and no spurs. No other physical traits that point to rooster.

Another piece of the puzzle: even though she is near the bottom of the pecking order since she’s the youngest in a flock of 13 hens, I have seen her try to mount 1 or 2 here and there then get snapped at and run off. Maybe it’s an attempt to work her way up?

Well, this morning lo and behold: a very muffled crowing.

Obviously hasn’t started laying yet so I can’t rule anything out at this point. Can anyone tell what I’ve got here? I’m thinking hen, but maybe not?

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

Cockerel.

 

[ShrekDawg]

That is 100%, without any doubt, a cockerel. EEs don’t get combs and wattles like other breeds because they are a pea combed breed and the beard covers wattles. There is zero doubt you have a boy. Sorry.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

That is 100%, without any doubt, a cockerel.... There is zero doubt you have a boy.

And he's Gorgeous, btw.

 

[ShrekDawg]

And he's Gorgeous, btw.

Yes he is!!

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

Yes he is!!

There is so much amazingness going on there, I don't even know where to look!? Lol

 

[ShrekDawg]

There is so much amazingness going on there, I don't even know where to look!? Lol

Sameeee lol

 

[GlazyChicken]

That is 100%, without any doubt, a cockerel. EEs don’t get combs and wattles like other breeds because they are a pea combed breed and the beard covers wattles. There is zero doubt you have a boy. Sorry.

No sorry needed. Happy to have a rooster in the flock! Especially when this one seems to be very docile and friendly towards my kids, unlike our first rooster who was a total a-hole and my kids were terrified of him

So, is it normal for EE roosters not to have spurs as well?

 

[ShrekDawg]

No sorry needed. Happy to have a rooster in the flock! Especially when this one seems to be very docile and friendly towards my kids, unlike our first rooster who was a total a-hole and my kids were terrified of him

So, is it normal for EE roosters not to have spurs as well?

Oh that’s good then!!! Glad you’re happy about it and can keep him!

Usually they have spurs but he’s still young and they can take time to develop.

 

[Chipmunk Chicks]

No sorry needed. Happy to have a rooster in the flock! Especially when this one seems to be very docile and friendly towards my kids, unlike our first rooster who was a total a-hole and my kids were terrified of him

So, is it normal for EE roosters not to have spurs as well?

Yay! So glad you can keep him! They say there are enough good roosters out there, no need to live with a bad one.