4-month old Australorp--hen or roo?

[fxchsfrms]

I have 2 that I thought were both hens. Both 4-months old. One has a much larger comb and wattle than the other...

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm leaning towards cockerel because of the comb, but it is also possible that you simply have a fast maturing pullet. Another photo or two might help, especially a close-up of the tail area and a clear (not dark) side-profile photo.

 

[fxchsfrms]

Thanks!

 

[fxchsfrms]

 

[Stiggy]

From the pics I would say its a pullet. However have a look at the rump feathers of they are sharp and pointy then its a boy . soft and rounded its a girl

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

I agree with Stiggy. The saddle feathers look round, you should expect an egg from her soon. My BA roos were crowing by 13 weeks and had huge combs!

 

[fxchsfrms]

Excited I may be getting an egg from her soon!

 

[iwiw60]

Excited I may be getting an egg from her soon!

It IS exciting, that's for sure! I have black australorps, too, and one of my four girls finally started laying about 12 days ago. I was so excited when I saw it I almost cried...REALLY!!

Have you tried to pet her on her back to see if she does the "submissive squat" ? That's a sure sign they're really close. My gal started bwaaking about 4-5 days before she laid...drove me crazy! Bwaaking here, Bwaaking there, in the coop, outta the coop, in the coop, outta the coop...She knew something was happening "back there" but couldn't really figure it out!

Best of luck, and DO let us know when you get that first egg!!

 

[fxchsfrms]

They all run when I try to pet them. I haven't tried holding them since they were small and then had to go out of town a whole month. Think I missed my opportunity with these girls, but they will come close to me--just not close enough to touch--they know who gives them treats!

 

[TaraBellaBirds]

l was disappointed when my sweet babies got bigger and started to run from me. I discovered much to my pleasure that once they start to lay, they tend to calm down again. Many hens will squat submissively which gives you the opportunity to pick them up. Now most of my laying hens are big babies!