Another "is this a roo?" test... :-) lots of pics

[Want Less]

We have 6 chicks that are about 3.5 weeks old. Three are black sex links, three are RIRs. One of our RIRs has pretty much been the biggest since we got them all and for peace of mind I wanted to post some photos to see if you guys and gals think there is any chance we may be looking at a rooster.

Her name is Patty and developmentally she has been right on with the others... feathering, personality, etc. Her only difference is that she is slightly bigger (not by much, but it is noticeable if you compare) and her comb is thicker. It is also slightly tinted pink, and she is pink around her beak.

Here are photos of her, and in comparison, of one of our other RIRs named Tender from the same batch:

This is Patty. Note the pink around her beak & comb

By comparison, this is Tender

Side by side comparison, Tender is on the left and Patty (the one in question) is on the right. Notice difference in combs, Patty's is thicker and slightly tinted pink.

Another side by side comparison, chick in question still on the right.

And size comparison with the other RIRs, chick in question is the red one at the top. She's bigger than the other two but not by much. Maybe a little more obvious from a side view but didn't get that shot (will try later in the week if needed).

Thanks for any thoughts!! We bought all 6 from the local feed store so could it be possible she is a day older? Definitely possible she's not even related to the other two I assume... Of course we'll keep watching her to see how it goes!

 

[GreenGoddess]

I would say Patty is a roo but in a few more week you should be able to tell when his feathers come in and you see or don't see hackle/saddle feathers..

Goddess

 

[Want Less]

Quote:
I really hope not!

 

[l'abeille]

At 3.5 weeks the things that looked roo-ish according to this board's experts were my chicks relatively thick legs, wattle and comb developing and back and tail feathers coming later than the other chicks. Size of the body was less important. I couldn't see the legs in your post but the feathering looked similar, so there is something to hang your hope on. hope you get your girl!

 

[Kiwibird]

I think there is enough difference to be suspicious, but not enough difference to be certain, so delay worrying just yet and keep your fingers crossed.

I see the beginnings of wattles on Patty's first picture - do the others have these too? Sometimes there is more difference in wattles than in combs.

 

[newchicksnducks]

Don't worry yet....I had one BA start growing a lovely pink comb early on...much earlier than BA sister or any of the other breed sisters. I thought for weeks that I would be rehoming a roo. Now almost a year later I have a great egg laying hen. You'll need to wait a while on your chick to see if she is just the kid in middle school that developed early, or if she is indeed a he!

 

[nanawendy]

Good thing you named her Patty... she'll look great in green with a four leaf clover stickin' out of her beak.

Really I have no clue, but enjoyed your pics