Am I raising another rooster?

[Melontine]

This kid is about 4-5 weeks old. Got them at a TSC just before I stopped working there.

Is either an Americana or that offshoot with a slightly different spelling that Hoovers hatchery sends them sometimes. Was sold as a premium pullet (sexed pullet but one of their breeds they can charge extra for).

I’m thinking this kid is looking like a little cockerel. But- I don’t have too much experience with this breed, and don’t have any more his age to compare too (-other chick he’s being raised with is a buff Orpington, I have a side story about why there’s only the two babies now).

He’s pretty skittish, due to being so low on the pecking order currently. (The other birds accept the babies, but mom doesn’t go out of her way to defend them.)


I do wonder about what his temperament may be when he gets older. I no longer have a rooster, but am not opposed to having one now assuming he can live up to my previous rooster’s great temperament (not an ass to the hens or to us, tolerates the dogs, warns about hawks or other dangers, takes care of the flock.)

 

[fluffycrow]

Easter Egger cockerel

 

[FrostRanger]

Cockerel and i'll bite, what's the story?

 

[Pigeony]

Cockerel

 

[Melontine]

Cockerel and i'll bite, what's the story?

So the chicks arrived at my 2nd to last day working at Tsc.

90% were dead on arrival because we’d had a terrible heat wave while they were being shipped and the rest were in questionable condition.

I decided to bring a bunch home since I had a broody hen who wanted some babies and figured I could give the kids a shot knowing their condition.

My broody Cochin did well, I had brought her inside to separate her from the rest of the flock and had a brooder plate ready if she didn’t take to them.
I monitored them closely, but only two made it past the 2nd day.

 

[FrostRanger]

Wow, sounds rough, glad at least those 2 made it!
Easter eggers (ik they're labeled as americanas but they're actually easter eggers) tend towards being docile and I had 2 of Hoover's americanas, both were female, but they had good temperments. Hopefully your boy will turn out well, good luck!

 

[GlicksChicks]

A gorgeous EE cockerel.

I'm sorry to hear about the other chicks

 

[Melontine]

Hoovers is quite silly with their Americana’s, Amauracana’s and Easter eggers

But Easter egger is good with me lol. I have one hen already who I adore. Fingers crossed that this kid grows into a respectable member of society. I’d hate to have to get rid of him, but if he hurts my hens my hands will be tied.

 

[Melontine]

Here’s the same kid today, 3 months later.
So this kid is now around 4 months old.

 

[JedJackson]

I think it's a pullet. There is still the possibility it could be a very late bloomer, but I doubt it.