Awwww...is my chick a rooster? :(

[Annichka]

I have a buff orp who is 5 weeks old. She (he?) has a comb and wattles, but I think this is one of those breeds where both sexes do, right? The thing is, her legs are heavier than the other chicks' legs (thicker), and she keeps trying to jump on them. She's also bigger than they are. Could this be just a dominance issue? Is she just more developed than they are? Is there any way to tell?

 

[arlee453]

It's still early to tell...both genders of MOST breeds of chickens get large red combs and wattles, but males TEND to develop theirs earlier and larger than the girls. Still, there is a lot of variation.

As far as size and behavior, both roolets and henlets both do the posturing and chest bumping/dominance behaviors.

Can you post a picture? It might help, but then again, I still say it's a bit early to make a definitive call...

 

[Annichka]

Thanks - unfortunately no dig. camera. I'll just have to sweat it out, I guess.

 

[Reinbeau]

Here's a photo of my 5 week old Buff Orpington roo:

Look familiar?