13 weeks is it a roo?

[Sweetchicks72]

This is our splash Orpington. He starred "crowing" at 11 weeks but hasn't crowed the last few days and I've read hens can crow too. I'm wondering if that's what was happening. We're going to eat him if he's a roo, so I want to be absolutely sure he is a boy.
Here is a picture of him with his blue Orpington "sister". Pretty sure she's a she. What do y'all think?

 

[Michael OShay]

Not only the crowing, but that large bright red comb and wattles are all screaming "boy" as well. Your Orpington is a cockerel. Sorry. (

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

He is definitely a cockerel because of his pointed saddle, hackle, and sickle feathers and his large comb. Young pullets never crow, it is usually older hens that have hormonal imbalances or if they don't have a rooster in the flock

 

[donrae]

cockerel.

 

[Sweetchicks72]

Thanks all. Yes, I was pretty sure. But just wanted a few other opinions. Thanks!

 

[Michael OShay]

Thanks all. Yes, I was pretty sure. But just wanted a few other opinions. Thanks!

You're welcome.

 

[Sweetchicks72]

So at what age should we eat him? I hear if you wait too long they're tough.

 

[Michael OShay]

So at what age should we eat him? I hear if you wait too long they're tough.

At 13 weeks, I would butcher him within the next week or so. If you wait much beyond the meat will toughen up.

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

At 13 weeks, I would butcher him within the next week or so. If you wait much beyond the meat will toughen up.

I agree

 

[hicksfamily]

cockerel