Barred rock male or female?

[lingon]

When should I know for sure (almost) - should I get another now, if possible? Our coop can fit 4, but 3 seem much happier which is why we started with 3 this time.

The one you think is a pullet is for sure a pullet.

You're talking about the comparison one, blue, right?

 

[gator75]

When should I know for sure (almost) - should I get another now, if possible? Our coop can fit 4, but 3 seem much happier which is why we started with 3 this time.

You're talking about the comparison one, blue, right?

Yes, blue one, and I think you will know for sure about purple by 4-5wks.

 

[lingon]

Sorry, one more question: if we end up with only 2 pullets, could we add 2 more chicks next april? Is it ok to brood only 2 chicks, or is 3 better? Especially as chicks, they seem to need each other since they eat, drink, and sleep all at the same time.
I called the store, and this batch sold out.

 

[gator75]

That's above my pay grade. I will say that I am currently integrating 3 pullets to 2 hens in a 50sft coop/run, and it is quite a task. Small flock intergration is always tough is my guess. They'll learn to get along eventually, though. I hope. I'm prepared to rehome a bantam pullet I got accidentally if I need to.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Too young. Please poetics at six weeks of the comb.

 

[lingon]

Here is an updated picture of our suspected rooster. He's lighter colored, though his black bands are a bit thicker than his white bands. His comb and wattles are redder and bigger, and his tail sticks up more. I keep hoping he's just a slightly different version of barred rock female, since our last batch had a female that grew spurs, had a brownish head, and ended up crowing at 2 years old and laid large eggs until her death by hawk at 6 years.

No crowing yet, he will have to be re-homed once that starts. So, should I start looking for another home for him?

eta - forgot to say, they're 5 1/2 weeks old.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

No question, that's a cockerel.

 

[Amanda0419]

Definitely cockerel

 

[lingon]

bummer, but that's what we thought. My daughter is very sad.

 

[drumstick diva]

cockerel sorry