Barred Rock Chick: Pullet or Cockerel?

[Xiao Casa]

Hi Everyone,

So, I have a 16 day old Barred Rock who was sexed as a pullet and sent to us from Meyer Hatchery. She and another Barred Rock sister of hers have noticeable differences in coloring, and I'm worried that we may have a young rooster in our flock. "She" has substantial barring on the feathers she's got coming in, which I know is a bad sign.

Here are some pictures of her, what do you think? Pullet?

(I know it's a little early, but I read that Barred Rocks can be color-sexed at a young age?)







(No need to concern yourselves with the Easter Egger in the last picture, we're content to wait and see with her.

)

 

[iwiw60]

From what I can see/tell it does look like a ROO, but it's really a little too early to be certain...best of luck!

 

[Outpost JWB]

I would say roo. We hatched out one with the white spot on the head. It was a roo. Gave him away to a happy home.

 

[DianaMallory]

I sure hope it is a hen because it looks just like mine did at that age and mine are 4 weeks old now. I don't want any Roos and would have a hard time giving one of my (I am hoping) Girls up! I had the same thoughts when mine were that age one of my barred rocks over towers her sister. But they are both looking about the same to me now. I have also heard some strange noises coming from her, Time will tell! The first pic is at 4weeks the last pic is at 3weeks.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

All Barred/cuckoo birds are born with white spots on head, male and female. At 5 weeks it's pretty obvious by the comb, pink and growing, but even at 4 this one has no indication of being a cockerel. The black wash on front of legs is one of the primary indicators of Barred Plymouth Rock females too.

I see a pullet. You'll know for sure in a week or so. If any pink shows on comb by 6 weeks it's a cockerel. I doubt that is going to happen.

 

[Xiao Casa]

Outpost, don't all barred rocks have a head spot? I thought so.

DianaMallory I'm with you there, I'm anxious for hens! They were vent sexed, which I know is not completely accurate, but she should be a hen... she must be a hen. I will be so sad if we have to give "her" away. We pick her up and handle her daily, informing her that she had better be a hen, and telling her what a good girl she is. Her thick, bold barring is a bad sign though... but her comb and wattles are a lot smaller than the other barred rock, and we know that she is a hen. She doesn't have barring, that one doesn't (poor girl), she only has little "flecks" of white and grey, sort of like dotted lines.

 

[DianaMallory]

Thanks Egg head jr. This is my first time with barred rocks, this is my first time with a mixed flock. I have 2 BR. 2BO, 2 Delawares 2 BA and 4 Golded buffs. I got 4 golden buffs because that is what I always had in the past and they are great producers. I know how to tell a Roo in that breed.