Attack Hen

[torrelee]

Okay, maybe I figured this out... This is "Rooster" the hen.

 

[2DogsFarm]

Well, I hardly qualify as an expert, but your Rooster sure looks like one to me.

Another thing to look for is hackle feathers - on a rooster they will have pointy ends, on a hen they are rounded.
I can't see Rooster's from your picture, but the stance, tail feathers & comb say HE to me .

 

[carrlr]

I'm no expert either, but I'd bet money that's a roo and a good chance at least part Australorp.

 

[new chick 203]

at least you don't have to change it's name, it is SO a rooster!

 

[operator16]

I can't see if the saddle or hackle feathers are pointy. But that big, pouffy, colorful tail with the long sickle like feathers and nice fat comb and wattles scream, "Cock a doodle ROOOOooooo!" You may get a hen that will crow. But, usually that means Rooster is a rooster. Does rooster chatter and pick up a piece of food and do the other birds come running?

 

[torrelee]

If by hackle feathers you mean the feathers on the back of the neck like a dogs??? Yes they're pointy. I kind of figured she was a he, but was hoping she was just confused. I'm not allowed roosters in city limits, so I suppose I'll have to try and rehome him. One of my girls also has pointy feathers also, and a slightly bigger/redder wattle. She acts much more hen-ish, though is the one that gets into squabbling matches with the roo. Maybe just off bloodlines??

This is Jade, my big girl with pointy feathers >>

 

[Mak]

Rooster is. A very nice looking fellow, too. If he's young, he may just need some time to settle in and get over the raging hormone stage. He may be better with the hens once he gets a little experience.

 

[operator16]

Quote:
http://www.fowlvisions.com/?p=323

You can peek at that link and see a Austrolorp Rooster and Hen side by side and see the differences. Yes, the hackle feathers are on their neck.

 

[torrelee]

Thanks operator! Yep, has to be a rooster, and 2 of my 4 hens look just like that one.... his blog says that bantam australorps don't come in black, but one of mine seems to be bantam size. She is about half the size of the normal looking girls, and unfortunately takes the brunt of rooster. Jade stands about 2 inches taller than the others and her feathers are more blue iridescent than green. She also has a wierd texture to her feathers. All pointy and the edges are fringy.

 

[torrelee]

You cant see the texture very well, but you can see shape and color of her feathers.