4x 8 week old chicks Roo or Hen?

[Olandpoohandchickens]

Hi all,

We bought 4 “hens” from a breeder 5 weeks ago and they were between 2-3 weeks of age. I’m not sure if their breeds. The brown one is for sure a hen and I think the two white ones are Roos. But the barred one I can’t tell and secretly hoping it’s a hen so I don’t have to send it back It’s starting to grow muffs.

Anyone has any idea what breeds they are and sex? Thank you!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The red is your only pullet.

 

[Olandpoohandchickens]

In that case, we would be exchanging the Roos for hens. Would I be able to keep two Roos? Since they grew up together and already established pecking order?

 

[cmom]

I agree, the red one is a female and the others are male. Good luck and have fun...

 

[cmom]

In that case, we would be exchanging the Roos for hens. Would I be able to keep two Roos? Since they grew up together and already established pecking order?

If you can, exchange them, I would. I would rather have females. Most likely you could find a male somewhere if you wanted to breed or just to have one.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

In that case, we would be exchanging the Roos for hens. Would I be able to keep two Roos? Since they grew up together and already established pecking order?

I would not keep a rooster with only 3 hens. They would get over mated very quickly.

 

[Nats Chickens]

brown female. others are male. not sure of the breed...

 

[Seaecho]

Agreed, a rooster with three hens is asking for major trouble. I know, it happened to me.

 

[HenniesInMyHeart]

Unfortunately, even two nest mate roos will probably fight when their hormones kick in, especially if they're fighting for hens. Each lone roo should have at least 4 hens, and if you have 2 or more roos in a flock, each should have at least 10-12 hens and may still fight. If a roo has fewer than 4 hens he may actually kill them from aggressive over-breeding.

 

[Olandpoohandchickens]

Thank you everyone! Two of the Roos (one of the white ones and the barred) started crowing this morning. They made the funniest sounds lol. I’m going to exchange 2 roos for hens and add two more hens. They are about 2 months old now, any suggestions as when I should exchange them? Would earlier be better than when they are matured?