Barred Rocks/Varied Color?**Pics Added*** Is it a roo?

[chickiepie]

I have two barred rocks, both about 5 weeks old. Of my five chicks, they are the most timid. One of them has more black leg markings, and black coloring on her beak. I also think her beak is ever-so-slightly more orange than the other one. I feel like I am being paranoid, but I sure don't want a rooster. (they are all supposed to be pullets). Is this variation in color have any significance, or is it just an 'each chicken is different' type thing?

 

[speckledhen]

http://www.dominiquechicken.com/Sexing_Dominique_chicks.html

This link is good for Barred Rocks, Cuckoo Marans and Dominiques and has very good photos.

Check out this link, but also, post pictures. Cockerels are much lighter than pullets, generally. Yes, the color can vary a bit. I have a hen who was thought to be a cockerel for a long time.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Because your chicks are 5 weeks old, the difference in a male and female, from hatchery stock, is typically quite pronounced. The pullets will be dark and the white "barring" is splotchy and looks more mottled. Yellow comb.

The roos at 5 weeks already show themselves. Comb is pinking up a bit, but the real difference is the lighter grey over all look, and the barring is bright white and the white is larger patches.

I can post a side-by-side pic if you need one.

 

[chickiepie]

Thanks for the website. One of them had a large spot on its head when it was young, so that makes me kind of nervous. Here are pictures of both the barred rocks.

This is the one with the darker coloring on its legs, and the slightly darker beak.

Here they are both together. You can see the lighter chicks face in this picture.

 

[chickiepie]

fred's hens, if you had a picture, that would be great. Or maybe you can tell by the pictures I just put up. Thanks!

 

[pdsavage]

Yeah it looks like a Roo....

 

[chickiepie]

Not what I want to hear! Thanks for the input.