A rather androgynous 5 week Barred Rock

[Derbypunk]

It's another Barred Rock sexing question! YAY! This is Chicago, my 5 week old Barred Rock hatched from Belt Hatchery. I've been on the Barred rock sexing threads since about week 2 and just can't nail this chicken down. according to most of the feedback I've read, her feather and claw coloration suggests that she's a roo, but her comb has slowed it's growth and doesn't seem to be getting much redder. She also has no wattles to speak of. I thought the were coming in when the skin reddened, but that's about as far as it went so far. Just some red skin. I don't see any saddle feathers, but I don't really know when I could expect to see them. I've been very patient expecting that I would come to a conclusion one way or the other some time around 6 weeks, but that's only a few days away and I'm still baffled. I have no other BRs to compare to since I'm starting my first flock and it's a "calico" flock ; ). Chicago also is submissive to my Buff Orp of the same age who clearly rules the roost. Here are two photos that will hopefully end my constant questioning. Will SHE live in town with me, or will HE live in the country with my cousin? THANK YOU!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Boy. I'm sorry.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

I think it is a boy too.

 

[donrae]

If you had a barred pullet to compare to, you would clearly see the color difference. That bird's color says male. The comb, etc can be slower to develop, but those two barring genes are present from birth and always give them away!

 

[Derbypunk]

Thank you all for replying! Even though it's a bummer for me that he's the boy I suspected he was (and it will be a bummer to his girlfriend the Buff Orp when he leaves), It is an exciting thing for my cousin who has been looking for a happy roo to help guard and make happy his little flock of hens out in the country. Everyone is still a winner here =)

 

[ozarkchicks]

I like how positive you are about it being a little roo

most of the people on here get very unhappy when they get a roo, I understand but still, I like the positive mood