6 week old Buff Orpington

[jchmiola]

Hello! I am new to Backyard Chickens and recently purchased my very first chicks. I got them as day olds and they are now about 6 weeks. The one chick, Borp, is a very lovable little girl who will sit in your lap or on your shoulder and loves being held. The older she gets, the more I am starting to think she is really a he. Any help in this one? I have pictures of her/him to help you out. Thanks!

Straight on

From the side

 

[Mountain Peeps]

WELCOME TO BYC!!

I've raised BOs for a long time and have never had a hen have that red of a comb at 6 weeks. Sorry but that is looking like a boy.

 

[jchmiola]

Thanks Mountain Peeps! Another question for you. We were going to just raise hens. Is there any benefit having a rooster? We will have 3 hens and 1 rooster if Borp turns out to be a boy. Will we always have fertilized eggs? Thanks again!

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Thanks Mountain Peeps! Another question for you. We were going to just raise hens. Is there any benefit having a rooster? We will have 3 hens and 1 rooster if Borp turns out to be a boy. Will we always have fertilized eggs? Thanks again!

Roosters are great! If you can keep one, defiantly do! Especially a buff orp. Roosters defend the flock, provide fertilized eggs, take very good care of their ladies and can be sweet. Just remember to keep one for every 1-10 hens you own so that the hens don't get too much attention and so that there aren't fights. You should expect fertile eggs all the time.

Here's a great link.
http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/2013/02/bulls-eye-lessons-i-have-learned-about.html