Black Astralorp ID

[Salt Water Farmer]

We picked up six different day old chicks this Spring, one of which is a Black Astralorp. We have had no previous experience with this breed and that brings us to our question. The chicks are now 9 weeks old and the Astralorp has gone from being the second smallest to the largest. She/he also has started to try to crow and acts very bossy towards the other five. (Although most of them stand up to her/him.) I have had hens that 'sort of' crowed in the past, but still laid eggs. At this age, from the pictures I have seen of Astralorps, I would guess determining the sex of one could be difficult from appearance alone, but the crowing is getting better (from a roosters veiwpoint) and we have no desire to upset our neighbors. Any suggestions? (The stew pot looms!)
Thanks,
Salt Water Farmer

 

[Ridgerunner]

Maybe you could post a picture, head shot but also a full body shot that shows head to legs.

How to post pictures/avatar
http://www.theeasygarden.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=26838

What you are describing sure sounds like a rooster, but I would not condemn this one until I saw a picture at least. Some can be harder to sex than others, but at 9 weeks, you should be able to tell.