8 weeks.... still holding out for an egg layer but signs are pointing to ROO

[8675309j]

We bought 4 "pullets" from the local feed store back in April. 3 Buff Brahmas and 1 Buff Orpington. All love bugs and feathered beautifully, all but 1 BB. She\He is very slow to feather, feather sheaths are still present, stands tall (not much taller than the other BB and no taller than our BO), and a tad brighter comb. Hoping, praying and wanting a pullet but wont be shocked if she is a he.... What are your thoughts?

 

[Pyxis]

He's a boy, I would say. Brahma cockerels are notoriously slow to feather; my boy was. Plus, those feet are huge! If you can keep roos where you live, he'll be a very sweet boy. Brahmas are really docile and my boy was awesome

 

[8675309j]

Anyway to keep him from waking my neighbors and fertalizing my eggs?

 

[indigo3]

only by culling or rehoming him unfortunately, I haven't heard of a way to keep a rooster from crowing. you face the dilemma all chicken keepers face at some point, sorry

 

[Pyxis]

No way to keep him from crowing, and the only way to keep him from fertilizing the eggs would be to keep him separate. Brahmas can be quiet crowers, though, which would be nice. You can also keep them from crowing really early by keeping them locked up in a dark coop until you're sure your neighbor will be up. Mine never crow till they see light. I dunno if you're just freaked out by fertilized eggs, but you really can't tell the difference. The only difference is if you look really, really closely at the yolk, you'll see a tiny bulls-eye. That's it.

 

[Chickenman76]

Looks just like my girls at that age, I'd give it a little longer, Brahma's take longer to mature