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.

 

[Mr Beaks]

I have to agree. One pullet, five cockerels.

 

[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.

 

[SASnCoBYC]

UPDATE: Definitely looking like 1 pullet and 5 cockerels. The boys have been sparring with each other the past week and I witnessed 1 attempting to crow the past couple days. Someone was trying to crow in the coop this morning before the hubby let them out to range. Don't know if it's only the one I saw or one of the others.

Should I be concerned about the cockerels fighting each other? They are quite vicious with each other at times despite their tiny size. I would say 99% of the time they get along just fine though and they keep it to themselves, and aren't bullying anyone else in the flock at this point. Do I need to break them up if I see them going at each other or just let them get it out of their system. I won't be able to keep all 5 so I've been observing them when I can hoping it will help me decide who stays. I don't want to end up with a mean rooster, but I also want one who will be protective of the flock.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

UPDATE: Definitely looking like 1 pullet and 5 cockerels. The boys have been sparring with each other the past week and I witnessed 1 attempting to crow the past couple days. Someone was trying to crow in the coop this morning before the hubby let them out to range. Don't know if it's only the one I saw or one of the others.

Should I be concerned about the cockerels fighting each other? They are quite vicious with each other at times despite their tiny size. I would say 99% of the time they get along just fine though and they keep it to themselves, and aren't bullying anyone else in the flock at this point. Do I need to break them up if I see them going at each other or just let them get it out of their system. I won't be able to keep all 5 so I've been observing them when I can hoping it will help me decide who stays. I don't want to end up with a mean rooster, but I also want one who will be protective of the flock.

If separated from the pullet, they will do better. Otherwise they will all fight over here and over mate her, when they get old enough.

 

[SASnCoBYC]

If separated from the pullet, they will do better. Otherwise they will all fight over here and over mate her, when they get old enough.

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.