Barred Rock Gender?

[jadorsey9]

Thanks for the tip and information. I had started to think it may not be a pure bred chicken and you confirmed it. I appreciate the help!

 

[MinBH2O]

Have a Plymouth Barred Rock about 8 to 9 weeks old. Of the 5 chicks I hatched this spring, this one tops the pecking order. Attempting to identify as a rooster? Both the barred rock and red/ white are contenders....one crowed but unable to catch in act. Appreciate any feedback.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/g/a/6512659/rooster-or-pullet-week-8

 

[Fred's Hens]

The bird in question is also NOT a Barred Rock. It has some barring from somewhere in it's heritage, but the slender lanky body is not that of a Rock.

If that dark bird sprouted red comb and red wattles week ago? That's your crower. Any single comb bird that sprouts a red comb and grow red wattles at 7 weeks is your cockerel. Pullets generally don't show those secondary sex characteristics until just before point of lay. You may very well have more than one cockerel.

We'd need close up photos of the birds to give any more information. Thanks.

 

[Fred's Hens]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/g/a/6512659/rooster-or-pullet-week-8

The title of your photo album says 8 week old? These birds were hatched just 8 weeks ago?

If so, you do indeed have multiple cockerels. You've just about got enough for a basketball team. LOL

 

[MinBH2O]

Fred appreciate the feedback...I hatched the eggs from a local 4H for my daughter's 2nd grade class. Have been learning on the fly. Posted a few additional picks. The combs and wattles are pinkish red both black and red/white came in early. One of the RH reds started around week 7. Need to rehome roosters and fill in the gaps. Also brooding silkies...those will take some time to set gender.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/g/a/6512659/rooster-or-pullet-week-8

 

[Fred's Hens]

Since these were just barnyard chicken eggs you hatched, you realize they are mostly mixes.

Look, it's pretty straight forward, even if you don't know the breed or guess at the mix. If it is single combed? If is lanky in motion and stature? If it holds it head up? If it sprouts a red comb and red wattles at 7 or 8 weeks? 99.99 percent cockerel.

If you need to move out the boys and exchange for some girls, I'd not wait. LOL

 

[Fred's Hens]

The bird on the lower right, that is the only pullet I see. The rest are cockerels.

 

[MinBH2O]

Sweet...Fred appreciate the information. Yes, planning move out day ASAP. Looking forward to getting eggs, hatching was a treat for the kids. Once roosters move along replacements can be introduced. Would prefer to remove all roosters and insert 5 pullets afterwards in one event. Thanks again for contributing.