Black Australorp 8 weeks cockerel or pullet?

[WingItRanch]

Wow that's a hard one. But in the 10 week old photos, I see what appears to be pointy, shiny hackle feathers so maybe cockerel?

 

[MaryBrown]

Any news yet on pullet or cockrel? I have 10 week old aussies...all supposedly pullets, but I've got a feeling about 1 of them

Does your unknown pullet look like my unknown?? I found some video of the same breed at 8 weeks and the cockerels had huge wattles and comb and were bright red. Mine is in-between but given the number of experienced folks commenting, I am preparing for a cockerel.

 

[MaryBrown]

Wow that's a hard one. But in the 10 week old photos, I see what appears to be pointy, shiny hackle feathers so maybe cockerel?

That seems to be the consensus. I guess I will just need to be patient and see. My for sure BCM cockerel who starting crowing last week, I was pretty sure of his sex at 5 days, even though I am brand new when it comes to roosters. He wants nothing to do with me (most of the others will sit on my lap) and has always been just plain cranky. He has been handing out pecks since the beginning. Not towards me but for sure the pullets.

 

[MaryBrown]

Wow that's a hard one. But in the 10 week old photos, I see what appears to be pointy, shiny hackle feathers so maybe cockerel?

Thanks. I will post again in a few weeks and see if we are any closer to the answer.

 

[MaryBrown]

Well, here we are at 12 1/2 weeks. I am thinking you experienced folks will tell me cockerel. This one is so gentle and kind to the the rest of the flock and the polar opposite of my BCM who started crowing at 9 weeks.
Thanks for all your help figuring this one out. After 30 years of having chickens, this is my first time with Roos.

 

[Muser]

Thanks for the update and that is 100% Roo. He's gorgeous

 

[JedJackson]

Well, here we are at 12 1/2 weeks. I am thinking you experienced folks will tell me cockerel. This one is so gentle and kind to the the rest of the flock and the polar opposite of my BCM who started crowing at 9 weeks.
Thanks for all your help figuring this one out. After 30 years of having chickens, this is my first time with Roos.

Yes, that's a cockerel. The Marans is probably the dominant male, so the Australorp will act more submissive and will crow less because the Marans won't tolerate it. If the Marans were to leave the flock, the Australorp would likely become more aggressive.

FYI, you do not have to keep the males if you don't want them. There is nothing wrong with re-homing them or eating them.

 

[MaryBrown]

Thanks for the update and that is 100% Roo. He's gorgeous

Thanks so much.

 

[MaryBrown]

Yes, that's a cockerel. The Marans is probably the dominant male, so the Australorp will act more submissive and will crow less because the Marans won't tolerate it. If the Marans were to leave the flock, the Australorp would likely become more aggressive.

FYI, you do not have to keep the males if you don't want them. There is nothing wrong with re-homing them or eating them.

Thanks. I wouldn’t mind keeping one Roo, but I can only do that if they are not aggressive to humans. I have a 6 year old granddaughter that loves to spend time with the chickens. I also like the idea of having one to watch over the girls. My Maran has been cranky since he was 3 days old when he would peck at any flock mate that got too close. He hasn’t lost that trait, lol. He runs them off of treats and generally is not friendly. Saying that, he has never fought with any of them and he gives humans lots of space. I understand that can change when he gets to adulthood. Is it safe to keep both Roos (8 pullets) until then or should I giveaway one now? Any words of wisdom? Thanks!

 

[MaryBrown]

Well it’s official. Guess who I just caught crowing?