5 week old Buff Orpington hen or roo?

[Michael OShay]

Can you get a clear side shot of them both? Even in this shot you can see what appears to be darker, glossier patches on the bird in question on the wing and saddle area - which would be distinctly male characteristics. Just looking at this photo it seems you have a cockerel and a pullet.

X2 on that.

 

[starchicky]

 

[Michael OShay]

It looks like a cockerel to me.

 

[starchicky]

Well I would love to try and keep it, it is the friendliest chicken. Plus we do have hawks, so having a roo might be helpful. I am encouraged knowing there is no difference in eating fertilized eggs.

 

[jane s chickens]

I have an 8 week old that I am waiting to see if it is a roo?

 

[Michael OShay]

Plus we do have hawks, so having a roo might be helpful.

In my years of experience with Buff Orpington roosters, they are too docile to be of any real help against serious predators like hawks.

 

[IFCC]

I raised 3 Buff Orpingtons this past summer and based on my chickens they look like roosters.

 

[starchicky]

Just as an update he is definitely a cockerel. Hasn't crowed yet but is trying to mate with all the girls, lol. Not sure yet if I will keep him, but he sure is pretty!

 

[SvennsHenns]

So it's not looking good. The chicken on the right is the one in question. Definitely has a bigger, curly tail, and bigger feet. The comb is still bigger and more red. But I'm still looking for behavior clues to be sure.

I love that picture! Looks like they are doing a dance number.

 

[cstephens1987]

I love that picture! Looks like they are doing a dance number.

Welcome to BYC. Just as a heads up you may want to double check posts before replying as this thread was from 5 years ago.