3 month old Buff Orpington, do we have a Roo?

[natr89]

Bought 6 1-day old chicks (2 x Easter Eggers, 4 x Buff Orpingtons) from a local feed store about 3 months ago. As they are growing I am concerned one is a cockerel. Can you guys put my mind at ease?

Behavior wise they are mild and probably do less "chest bumping" than the easter eggers do. Size wise, they are almost identical in size to the other 3 Buff Orpingtons that we have.

Number 1 is the one I am "worried" about. They were the slowest to feather and their comb and waddles are just significantly more developed than the other three Buffs, but size and temperament are in line with the other chickens. Legs look to be similar thickness as well. I took a dorsal view angle pic as well in case that helps identify any potential saddle feathers.

Any help is appreciated

 

[Iluveggers]

The number 1 does look more developed than the rest. I don’t like the brown/red on your darker EE either. Were the chicks labeled pullets or straight run?

@Overo Mare

 

[Rose the Legbar]

1 and 2 are little cockerels. The red on the shoulders of 2 is a definite giveaway in most EEs. Also for 1 I think i see a little saddle feather plus the waddle and comb growth and redness screams cockerel

 

[Painted Calls]

Last 2 birds are cockerels.

 

[natr89]

Really?

These were pullets bought from a local feed store. Both of the EEs are definitely larger than the buffs, but they've shown zero signs of aggression or roo behavior that I can see. Is red on the EE an absolute guarantee at this stage?

If I really got 2 roosters from 6 I'll be pretty sad...

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Last 2 birds are cockerels.

I agree!

 

[Painted Calls]

Really?

These were pullets bought from a local feed store. Both of the EEs are definitely larger than the buffs, but they've shown zero signs of aggression or roo behavior that I can see. Is red on the EE an absolute guarantee at this stage?

If I really got 2 roosters from 6 I'll be pretty sad...

They have male specific coloration and comb/wattle development. The Orp is already showing male specific saddles. I'm sorry.

Unfortunately chicks at farm stores get picked up and put into the wrong bins sometimes.

 

[natr89]

I just called the feed store and they said their hatchery they source from gives them a 98% assurance.

98% and I got 2 roo's out of 6? Seems not right to me.

I am so sad! Is there anyone that can give me optimism they still might be hens? Maybe a % chance?

 

[jus10inla]

Last one is a cockerel. However that EE still has a chance. I had two easter eggers that had that hard red on shoulders . One ended up cockerel and the other is one my best layers.

 

[jus10inla]

But that comb does show hard cockerel favors tho as @Overo Mare pointed out on the easter mutt