5-6 week old chick with red skin tag under beak

[juliefurry03]

I just noticed this today, it's very small and just on one side of the lower beak but it's bright red, I don't think I see one on the other side.

This is also the chick that I thought was a male so is it possible he is starting to show male characteristics? It's a hatchery buff brahma.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I just noticed this today, it's very small and just on one side of the lower beak but it's bright red, I don't think I see one on the other side.

This is also the chick that I thought was a male so is it possible he is starting to show male characteristics? It's a hatchery buff brahma.

Are you saying you believe you are seeing the beginning of wattle development? A photo would be most helpful.

 

[juliefurry03]

 

[ChickenLover200]

Looks like wattle.

 

[juliefurry03]

That's what I was afraid of...unfortunately we can't keep roosters, hence I paid extra for pullets. So now we have to hopefully find somewhere to rehome him or butcher him ourselves. My husband isn't a fan of the idea of butchering him ourselves.

 

[Blooie]

That's what I was afraid of...unfortunately we can't keep roosters, hence I paid extra for pullets. So now we have to hopefully find somewhere to rehome him or butcher him ourselves. My husband isn't a fan of the idea of butchering him ourselves.

Don't be too hasty to get rid of "him". Hens also have wattles. I don't know the rate of development specifically in the Brahmas, though, so I'm sure someone else will chime in and give you better information about that. But all of my pullets are showing wattles - some breeds and varieties sooner than others even though they are all the same age. For instance, my Red Sex Links showed development earlier than my Buff Orpingtons, and my Gold Laced Wyandottes are just now showing wattles. Reddening of comb and wattles in pullets are one of the signs that egg laying is coming up soon, although not at 5.5 weeks. I only mention that because it shows you that wattles on a hen are expected.
Wait and watch for other signs that you have a cockerel rather than just relying on just this one thing. Are there any other differences between this one and the other Brahmas you have? Legs thicker? Hackle and saddle feathers coming in pointed rather than rounded? Stance? Comb development different? He (she) is a cute little stinker!

 

[crowcreek]

This is my one year old Buff Brahma hen. She had waddles at a young age. Now they are bigger than the other two. She is also head hen!

 

[juliefurry03]

I was concerned with this baby being male from the start, I even mentioned it at the feed store. This baby has feathered out differently than the others have. I'm not going to hurry up and rehome the baby but noone else has anything else forming yet. But I just have to keep and eye on this one because we will have to get rid of him before the crowing starts.