4.5 Week Old Australorps Pullets????

[dwdoc]

Hello all,

We purchased these two Australorp chicks as sexed pullets. I had no doubts as to their sex until today. I had the birds outside free-ranging and then introduced one of my dogs into the mix (all closely supervised). When the dog got close the chicks seems to charge the dog rather flee as I would have anticipated. Is this roo behavior?

I am attaching the below pics. Please share your opinions...I imagine its probably too early to be precise.

Chick #1:

Chick #1:

Chick #2:

Chick #2:

Thank you.

 

[smarsh2]

2 is a roo i do believe

 

[elabraleon]

Chicky 2 has a pretty big comb for a 4.5 week old. She could still be a girl though. For reference, here are pics of one of my pullets at 3.5 weeks. had a quite large come at that age as well. I am 90% sure she's a hen, she's nearing 17 weeks old now.

 

[jenangelcat]

Chick two looks rooish but the behaviour you described I have seen in my hens. My two australorps are at the top of the pecking order and they protect the rest of the flock. My 4 comets are at the bottom and they protect each other (three attacked a duck that was attacking their friend).

 

[elabraleon]

Yes, my chicks pecked my 100lb labrador right in the face.

My chihuahua is downright scared of them, although he still tries to harass them. I think he likes it when they chase him. They are all girls, and still faced off with the dogs. So yes, this behavior is normal for girls too.

 

[JulieNKC]

They both look like girls to me, but I'm fairly new to chickens.

 

[magicpigeon]

I think you've got a roo and a pullet although I did once get a hen with a VERY red comb at 3 weeks. Luckily she grew out of it

 

[NixNoodleNumbat]

2 could be roo. I'm not sure though.

 

[dwdoc]

Well looks like there is a split in opinions. I guess we'll wait and see.

I do sincerely appreciate all the input....THANK YOU!

 

[LeBlackbird]

keep hope, I say she's a girl. I was sure my Ausie was a boy with a big pink comb at a young age
(Here she is in the background, excuse my sickening brooder)

And here she is today!