4 Week Old Barred Rock--Pullet or Cockerel?

[Madisan]

You can't sex barred rocks solely on color, some don't follow the rules.

I know that. I was just giving an example.

 

[donrae]

Agree the OP's bird is a cockerel. It may not be a pure barred Rock, it may be a black sex link or other mix. But you can see hackle and saddle feathers starting, and the barring is getting messy on those areas also.

 

[bathomas]

Agree the OP's bird is a cockerel. It may not be a pure barred Rock, it may be a black sex link or other mix. But you can see hackle and saddle feathers starting, and the barring is getting messy on those areas also. 

Such a bummer! I really don't want to have to re-home him.

He should be a pure barred rock, though. Got him from some researchers at the local university.

 

[Bridebeliever]

I was having this kind of trouble sexing my silver laced Wyandottes! I was back and forth with them all the way up to 18 weeks!

 

[shortgrass]

Agree the OP's bird is a cockerel. It may not be a pure barred Rock, it may be a black sex link or other mix. But you can see hackle and saddle feathers starting, and the barring is getting messy on those areas also. 

X2, cockerel. Barring, comb, wattles, tail, and size; if he's the same age as the other chicken in the pic, that is.


Actually, the very first pic of him as a chick showed the most prominent feature that I've seen in male chicks at hatch; a wee tiny male comb; the little star shape at the top of it. Every chick I've had that has that ends up male. .... Not to mention, male barring was present at 4 weeks as well.