Australorp rooster or hen?

[Sandbyter]

I ordered 3 Australorp chicks, they are now about 9 weeks old. I am worried that the leader of the flock could be a rooster - and of course where I live I am not allowed to have one.

If this is indeed a rooster, how can I pass him on?

The You can see the suspect, In photo 1, 3 and 5.

Also, at what age do they start crowing?

 

[hysop]

My australorp cockerels started crowing around 14 weeks I think.

It was very hard for me to tell the gender. For the longest I thought they were girls and bam they all crowed. Thankfully I can have roosters, but I’m all full so they are on the menu once they get a little bigger.

You can always post them up for free on here under your state thread or on FB. You can try to sell em for $5 but right now there’s such an influx of roosters that unless yours is an on-demand or rare breed it’s harder.

 

[em_dawson]

Yes, that is a cockerel. Sorry!

 

[ShrekDawg]

Yup! Definitely a cockerel! You could try Craigslist, I had good luck there, but you might have a harder time now since everybody seemed to get chicks this year with the quarantine.

 

[Sandbyter]

Aw, bummer, but I take your word for it. Thanks for your help, just wanted to make sure I don't make the wrong decision. Will start looking for a new home asap.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Aw, bummer, but I take your word for it. Thanks for your help, just wanted to make sure I don't make the wrong decision. Will start looking for a new home asap.

So sorry you ended up with one sadly though that happens sometimes. hope you can find him a home!

 

[The Happster]

I agree, rooster...
He could start crowing anytime.
Had roosters that crowed very early, but also one as late as 8-9 months.
I have always hated rehoming roos.
I generally keep them and try and make it work out.
It's so hard to re-home something you've raised.

 

[Sandbyter]

Well, nobody answered my ads on facebook or Craigslist. But I did find a local store, Rob's Poultry Supply in Cortland Manor, NY, who will take him.
Not totally happy about it as I'm worried about what kind of future that means for him - but every once in a while I hear something that sounds like the beginning of a crowing - so I better hurry.
Have a heavy heart, amazing how much they grow on you. Will surely miss this sweet little guy who was the leader of my little flock of 5 girls.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I ordered 3 Australorp chicks, they are now about 9 weeks old. I am worried that the leader of the flock could be a rooster - and of course where I live I am not allowed to have one.

If this is indeed a rooster, how can I pass him on?

The You can see the suspect, In photo 1, 3 and 5.

Also, at what age do they start crowing?

Male!