Barred Rock gender and feather Q?

[whambam]

Okay so I picked up 5 "pullets" about 4 weeks ago. 2 barred rock & three cuckoo Marans.

The Marans WERE younger and smaller, now they are bigger than the rocks. They were apparently 5&7 weeks when I got them, respectively. So my rocks are now 10/11 weeks but I get the impression that they are probably no older than 10weeks IMO.

So one of my BR is considerably smaller than the other...and noticeably lighter. With all them running around I didn't think much about comparing them, but I couldn't help but notice the size difference and the color. Now today "his" comb is looking much more red than all the others. The other BR is dark. "He" is lighter.

Then today picking "him" up I noticed patches of featherless areas on the chest and neck area. What's the deal with that?

Am I right in suspect said chicken is a cockerel? These are my first BR.

"Roo" in question on the right front, other BR pullet behind him on the left.

His pullet sister... Same age

 

[whambam]

Oh and here "he" is near one of the Marans. Are Marans normally much larger than rocks at this age? I always thought rocks were but maybe they just grow slower.

 

[Chrysolinsbirds]

Does look like a rooster, I don't know why he would have a bald spot on his chest tho, except maybe molting.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Yes, that's a cockerel. I don't know why he's picking his breast feathers, either.

As far as the size difference, if they are hatchery BRs, that might be your answer. I think hatcheries have been crossing in some lighter breeds to the BR lately, to have them lay more eggs and be less dual-purpose. I was very disappointed at my last BR from Meyer hatchery. They are almost as light as my RSL! I've never had such small, light BR and I wanted them to breed for table birds. Guess that won't be happening.

My Marans, which are from a breeder, are much heavier bodied birds. My big Marans rooster must weigh 10 pounds! Marans are supposed to be heavy, dual purpose birds with good meat.