5+ week old RIR and Black Australorp: pullets or roos?

[SeaChick]

A friends's birds.... Is it too soon to tell? We were hoping these would be our girls when the city passes our chicken ordinance....

5+ weeks old, one RIR and one Australorp. The RIR was the earliest of all her chicks to feather in. Both are very friendly. Their tails are longer than the others, which are other breeds.

What do you think?

 

[justusnak]

Im no expert....but IMO..the RIR, hen....the Australorp....jeesh, looking a little roo ish to me. Hope Im wrong. Very nice looking birds!

 

[SeaChick]

Well, that's interesting. What makes you say that? I am so curious, because I have no idea at all. The RIR looks more roo-ish to me, she is bigger. But maybe that's just the breed? I sure would be happy if you are right and she turns out to be a pullet we can have. she is super sweet and very pretty/

Anyone else?

 

[hollyclyff]

I hope that Australorp isn't a roo because it looks a lot like my 5 week old that is supposed to be a pullet. And it's my daughter's favorite chick of course.

 

[speckledhen]

Fpr comparison, here is a RIR at five weeks old- definitely a cockerel. The second pic is his sister. Look at the leg thickness difference as well as comb and wattles.

 

[SeaChick]

Thank you speckledhen!!!! Cries of jubilation!

Olivia

 

[speckledhen]

You're welcome, Olivia. Here is a picture of Scarlett today at 21 weeks old with her half sister in the background. The sister has a Buff Orpington mother and just started laying today.

 

[silkiechicken]

they look like girls to me.

 

[SeaChick]

hollyclyff,

Does your Australorp "pullet" have the long tail like that? Maybe it's just a breed thing.

and , Silkiechicken, thanks! Let's hope you are right.

So nice to have this willing group of experienced chicken owners to "talk" to!

Stacey & Olivia

 

[Buff Hooligans]

SeaChick, what's the timeline on the city passing your ordinance? I sure hope it's quick. Waiting for chicks is so tough. Good luck.