Bantam cochin - boy or girl?

[RoseHawke]

I'm leaning toward cockerel for the buff, not only because the comb is reddening up (these are a month old) but also because he "challenges" my hand. I was calling him Buffy, but because of this and also because he has the endearing habit of flying up to my wrist like a falconer's bird, I'm now calling him "Falco" (also because I'm very fond of the Lindsey Davis Didius Falco historical mystery series, but that's another story.)

The comb on the little black, Pippin, is much less developed and not nearly as red, more on a par with the chicks I've got in the other pen. I've got them separated because Pippin is much slower developing and was just getting tumbled to the extent that her legs were starting to splay. I put a band on her, even though she was older than is usual for this procedure, and she's much straighter than she was. Fortunately "Pippin" is pretty gender neutral although she was basically named after Peregrine Took from Lord of the Rings.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The first one is a boy for sure. The second one give another week or two and see if that comb turns pink, but it's probably a pullet.

 

[redinator]

I'm leaning toward cockerel for the buff, not only because the comb is reddening up (these are a month old) but also because he "challenges" my hand. I was calling him Buffy, but because of this and also because he has the endearing habit of flying up to my wrist like a falconer's bird, I'm now calling him "Falco" (also because I'm very fond of the Lindsey Davis Didius Falco historical mystery series, but that's another story.)

The comb on the little black, Pippin, is much less developed and not nearly as red, more on a par with the chicks I've got in the other pen. I've got them separated because Pippin is much slower developing and was just getting tumbled to the extent that her legs were starting to splay. I put a band on her, even though she was older than is usual for this procedure, and she's much straighter than she was. Fortunately "Pippin" is pretty gender neutral although she was basically named after Peregrine Took from Lord of the Rings.


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I agree the first seems to be a cockerel with the larger, redder comb he's sporting already.

As for the second chick that is slower you may want to consider adding electrolytes/probiotics to a seperate water dish (I would alternate between the two for a few days) to give her a nutritional boost in addition to the band for splay leg. You may even want to give her an hour or so divided (not separated) from the other chicks so she can eat and drink without getting bullied.

 

[thecatumbrella]

The first one is a boy for sure. The second one is give another week or two and see if at comb turns pink, but it's probably a pullet.

This is the correct answer. Just raised 6 bantam cochins myself. Look for comb growth, not color. If you want some examples, search for "Roo or Ruse" with my username. I was so sure I had a cockerel, but she was 100% pullet in the end.

 

[RoseHawke]

The first one is a boy for sure. The second one is give another week or two and see if at comb turns pink, but it's probably a pullet.

Thanks! I sure hope so. I may have a trio of Bantam Cochins if that's the case, buff cockerel and a black pullet and a buff pullet. The buffs are just hatchery birds from TSC, the black is from show stock. I'm fairly sure that the three "bantams" (two are questionable) from TSC in the other brooder pen are all pullets in which case I really lucked up.

Falco is the only chick with Pippin. They're both getting Poultry Cell in the water (7ml/750ml is the best I could figure the dose,) and eating and drinking well. I think she may be starting to catch up, she's gained 10g in the last 3 days.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Thanks! I sure hope so. I may have a trio of Bantam Cochins if that's the case, buff cockerel and a black pullet and a buff pullet. The buffs are just hatchery birds from TSC, the black is from show stock. I'm fairly sure that the three "bantams" (two are questionable) from TSC in the other brooder pen are all pullets in which case I really lucked up.

Falco is the only chick with Pippin. They're both getting Poultry Cell in the water (7ml/750ml is the best I could figure the dose,) and eating and drinking well. I think she may be starting to catch up, she's gained 10g in the last 3 days.

Don't offer Poultry Cell every day. It's very vitamin heavy. I use it myself, but only offer every 3 days for about 4-6 hours in the brooder as a top off. @redinator has the right idea with alternating treated and plain water for a boost.

 

[redinator]

Don't offer Poultry Cell every day. It's very vitamin heavy. I use it myself, but only offer every 3 days for about 4-6 hours in the brooder as a top off. @redinator has the right idea with alternating treated and plain water for a boost.

Just to clarify, I would always have plain water available, and alternate between the electrolytes and probiotics in a separate waterer.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Just to clarify, I would always have plain water available, and alternate between the electrolytes and probiotics in a separate waterer.

Whoops, sorry for the misunderstanding! I definitely do this as well if I'm not pushing vitamins/medication on a sick bird.

 

[RoseHawke]

The first one is a boy for sure. The second one is give another week or two and see if at comb turns pink, but it's probably a pullet.

You were right, its (apparently "his") comb is getting more red/pink in it. Darnit. I'm not giving up hope yet, but it's not looking good between behavior and a pinker comb.

Between the two, Falco will need to find a new place to roost.