Barred Rock

[Jakico]

I recently got 6 chickens they are about 3 1/2 months. Our barred rock, butt nugget, has grown much faster than the rest. BN also has a pretty flashy comb and wattle. In researching the females have a darker color which was reassuring. However, BN is starting to crow. I read the can happen in an all female flock, but can be rare. I’m not allowed roosters due to noise ordinance. So far the bird seems fairly gentle and a good guardian over the flock. I’ve considered the collar but am nervous as I read of birds aspirating. I’m just curious of others opinions on hen vs rooster. I just need to make a decision on BN future and it makes me feel awful to know the future might be a stew pot.

 

[gimmie birdies]

That is a male.

 

[CalBickieMomma]

I’d say Butt Nugget is a little roo (the crowing plus the curled tail feathers are a pretty strong indication).
I’m sorry you can’t keep him where you live, but you could always try the local animal shelters to see if they know of anyone who takes roosters and rehomes them to loving homes. I’ve also recently heard of a site called Save the Cocks that has some good suggestions/advice: http://www.savethecocks.com/Save_the_Cocks/Save_the_Cocks_Home.html
I wish you luck!

 

[Jakico]

Thank you, I’ve been pretty certain myself. I think it’s a great bird. I’ve heard a rooster in my neighborhood and have considered risking it, but am afraid of having to make a rash action if a complaint comes through. I mostly just wanted to see what the chicken community thought. The collar might work, but if it caused him pain or to die I would feel horrible.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Sorry but I agree, he's a cockerel

 

[Acre4Me]

Male. In addition to the curled tail feathers and crowing, the coloring is another clue for Barred Rocks. He is lighter in color than a female barred rock bc he has two copies of the barring gene which makes his bars wider. The white bars are wider, so his color looks lighter. If you compared him to a female barred rock, it would be a clear difference in feather color.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

I love his name; Butt Nugget

 

[Gray Farms]

That's a cockerel. Saddle feathers are peaking out from under the wing if you look close. He isn't a Barred Rock though. He is a Cuckoo Marans.

 

[Chickassan]

Sure enough is, those feet don't lie.

That's a cockerel. Saddle feathers are peaking out from under the wing if you look close. He isn't a Barred Rock though. He is a Cuckoo Marans.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

That's a cockerel. Saddle feathers are peaking out from under the wing if you look close. He isn't a Barred Rock though. He is a Cuckoo Marans.

The pink legs right?