16wk Black Australorp and RI Red - Pullets or cockerels

[DrFeathers]

Got 3 new chicks this year to reinforce he flock. Since 8 weeks old the RIR and BA have gone toe to toe on many occasions, fluffing our their hackle feathers and puffing chests.

They (along with their friend, a white rock) are all starting to get a little red in the combs, fine, but what got me worried is that the BA’s tail feathers seem to be getting a little sickle shaped?

 

[JedJackson]

Both are pullets. At 16 weeks old there would be a lot more male traits than they have, if they were cockerels. They should be laying soon.

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

They’re both beautiful pullets

 

[Alexandra33]

Pretty little ladies!

~Alex

 

[DrFeathers]

Both are pullets. At 16 weeks old there would be a lot more male traits than they have, if they were cockerels. They should be laying soon.

Phew that’s what I thought but the sickle and the constant fight for pecking order had me worried. We’ve been down to 3-5 eggs per day from our other 6 (one of whom hasn’t laid since April - how do you spell “chicken stew”?) so could use the reinforcements.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Even pullets/hens do "chest bumping" .... Have had RIR in the past, they tend to have a bit more "attitude" but are great layers.

 

[FeatherstoneFrm]

I have 1 of each of these and they get along great but do assert themselves occasionally. They are both favorites of the BA cockerel. 23 weeks old, the BA just started laying 2 days ago. The RIR should start soon.