4 Chicks - 2 Roos 2 Hens?!

[jackiehershfeld]

Three weeks ago I got four chicks at the hardware store, and they were supposedly sexed, and approximately 4-6 weeks old. Now that the chicks are about 7-9 weeks, I think I have two roos, two hens. The two that I think are roos have longer combs, that are distinctly red, and the one is very aggressive - ie. kicking at the other chick I think is the other roo. . . What to do!?

 

[Studio2770]

Three weeks ago I got four chicks at the hardware store, and they were supposedly sexed, and approximately 4-6 weeks old. Now that the chicks are about 7-9 weeks, I think I have two roos, two hens. The two that I think are roos have longer combs, that are distinctly red, and the one is very aggressive - ie. kicking at the other chick I think is the other roo. . . What to do!?

It sounds like you have roos but pics would help greatly.

 

[jackiehershfeld]

These are my "fellas" - also if anyone knows what breed these are that would be a HUGE help to. I have three of the orange/brown and one of the black and white.

 

[Studio2770]

Look like boys to me! The blackish one looks like a barred rock or cuckoo maran, closer to maran in my opinion. The other, I'm not sure. I am not good at naming breeds so maybe someone can help you with that.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

You have a Barred Rock cockerel, a New Hampshire cockerel, a New Hampshire pullet in the back and the other one is a NH also but I can't see the comb to tell gender . It is very improbable that a Cuckoo Marans could be found at a feed store, also Marans have white skin and I can clearly see that the little guy has yellow feet with the typical BR wash.

 

[jackiehershfeld]

Thank you so much! The two are definitely New Hampshire pullets. Im just bummed about the Barred Rock being a cockerel as well as one of the New Hampshires. Oh well, I guess I will be finding one of them a new home

 

[donrae]

How old are the birds in the pic? If they're supposed to be 7-9 weeks at that time, I'm not so sure you have males. the barred is most suspicious, but for that age I'd expect to see a lot more comb.

I think your problem with aggression is they're way, way overcrowded in that tub. they're fully feathered and ready to move outside, and they need more space.

 

[Studio2770]

I can't quote replies on mobile for some reason. If a chicken has pink in its comb I'd say it's a male because that's WAY too early for a girl, even an early maturing female. I agree with donrae, if that's where they stay, that's way too small. Hopefully you have a coop or at least a larger pen ready?

 

[jackiehershfeld]

Thank you all SO much - this is super helpful. We actually just purchased a coop, so they will be moving outside here shortly. I was worried about the weather being too cold for them - I guess I was just waiting for more feathers to come in, but I guess they will be fine. . . it does get to below 32 at night now. Good to know about the possibility of the barred not be a cockerel. They are supposed to be 7-9 weeks old.

 

[donrae]

They don't look quite that old to me, at that age they should be completely feathered out with no down left. I think they're slow to feather cause they're too warm. Go ahead and move them outside, maybe give them the lamp at night for a few nights, but not during the day. They're fine to be out even in sub-freezing weather, and they'll really appreciate the space.