Barred Rock question...

[NewGuineaChooks]

I just put a wooden egg in one box. Just enough to give them the idea if they get confused. They don't mind sharing a box between 2-3 of them.

Can you access the next boxes at night? I go to collect eggs every evening, when they are sleepy and settling down for the night. They're less likely to run at you then. And you can check them all and say 'goodnight' at the same time.

 

[WindyOaksYokes]

Hi, just wanted to let you know that I need to find the disk and DH is waiting on the puter... So I will post the pics later after everything settles down...
Tes

 

[JillsChicks]

I'm struggling to identify the gender of barred rock chicks at 2 weeks old. I know I'm crazy to try, but I'm sharing the order with a friend who will pick up her chicks at 4 weeks old.

Three of the four chicks have quite a bit of feathering, but the fourth is still quite downy. Also, my most forward chick had a white, not yellow spot on its head. It is the first to leap out of my cage and visit with me and loves to be cuddled. Its feathering is quite advanced.

I ordered pullets, but I know sexing isn't 100% accurate. What do you all think?

Do barred rock roos feather more slowly or quickly than pullets?

p.s. - the photo posts are beautiful!

 

[kimbachick]

I'm wondering about my big barred rock, too. I think it's a rooster as another one the same age is half the size and has hardly a comb and no waddles. What's crazy though, is this "guy" is the sweetest of all the chickens. He likes to take naps on our laps and lays his head down for a little neck pet.

He seems to keep the flock in order - runs after anyone if they get too far away and cheeps loudly if anyone is missing. Soooo sweet! But, I guess it could just be a "mother hen" type. Here's a picture. I'd love to see what you all think. He is 5 weeks old.

 

[speckledhen]

Yes, that's a cockerel. BR boys are usually very friendly guys. Till recently I owned three BR roosters. My main flock roo is a BR and a spectacular guy.

 

[kimbachick]

That is SO great! I was hoping he was a rooster as he's quite the gentleman. How did you know so quickly? Just the comb and waddles for his age?

 

[speckledhen]

Cockerels are much lighter in color than pullets, and also, pullets rarely get a comb like that till they are over 12-14 weeks old.

 

[kimbachick]

Thank you! I don't know why it's so hard to just wait and see!!

 

[fouramens]

HI,

I am needing help as well!! I have One Barred Rock and Two Rhode Island Reds,approximately 12 weeks old. "Roberta" started honking last week and crowing yesterday. I read that when there a very few chickens and no roosters, the dominant hen can sometimes crow. Am I in denial??

I am really enjoying these guys, but won't be able to keep a rooster.

Thanks so much!
Karen

 

[halo]

Oh my....Im afraid you have to change that one's name to Robert.