3-4 week old Leghorn pullets or cockerels? Any guesses?

[SASnCoBYC]

I know it's way early to know for sure, but anyone care to make a guess as to which one of these Leghorn chicks are pullets or cockerels? They are from the same hatch between 3-4 weeks old. Pics from today.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I think that you have mostly boys. At least 5.

 

[nuthatched]

Um, I know leghorns have big combs on both roo and hen but I think that front one is your only girl.

 

[JedJackson]

I really hate to have to write it, but I think all but the chick in the front on the first picture are cockerels.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I hate to agree, but most of them are cockerels. Maybe that one pullet.

 

[SASnCoBYC]

Appreciate the responses. I've been suspecting the same, but was hoping to end up with 3 and 3. That would give me 19 hens total and could feasibly keep 2 of the cockerels in that case, leaving 1 to rehome or cull. Will post updated pics in a few weeks.

 

[Mr Beaks]

I have to agree. One pullet, five cockerels.

 

[SASnCoBYC]

This is how well they behave together most of the time.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

When the one first crowed on Sunday it was after my daughter had picked up and was holding the Leghorn pullet. One of the cockerels does seem rather protective of the pullet more than the others. These little leghorns are now living with the rest of the flock of 22 which is all pullets ranging in age from 7-12 weeks. I have 2-3 week old chicks in my smaller coop/run now so until they are big enough to integrate with the larger flock, don't really have a place to keep the cockerels separated. I guess we may have to devise something if the fighting gets worse or they get big enough to do more than superficial damage to each other before we decide who stays and who has to go. If they are together but away from the ladies, they will be less aggressive with each other? I guess I may have to consider making the smaller coop/run a bachelor pad once the babies move out.

I'd be very careful. If that young cockerel crowed when your daughter picked up his girl, that can be a sign of aggression. Cockerels/roosters crow to claim resources and females. He was yelling at your daughter 'She's MINE!' I hope it never happens, but he could become human aggressive.

I'm not saying your daughter shouldn't be able to pick up the chickens... I'm saying his behavior needs to be corrected, and quickly.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

That's how I interpreted it too and made a mental note of it to look out for it in my further observations for deciding who to keep. We have all been very interactive with our chickens and want to be able to go out and sit with them, so a rooster that sees us as a threat rather than part of the flock won't be tolerated. Any tips on correcting the behavior? I found it funny that he ran under the coop first then crowed, like I'm gonna act like a tough guy from my safe space.

how old is your daughter? If old enough, she may need to be the one to correct behavior since its expressed towards her.

To be honest, I'd get rid of him before he becomes a serious problem.