Black Copper Marans - Need a little help

[Stephanie79]

I have four black copper marans and I'm sure that one of them is a hen; however, I'm questioning the other three. They are approximately four to five months old and at least one of them has let out a full crow. The other two have belted out; however, they were not full crows.

I've read that hens sometimes crow and am a bit baffled by all of this. I have looked for spurs which none have evidence of. The three do have red combs and waddles while my Sophie has none. The pictures I have seen of black copper maran hens are a bit confusing because some grow the red combs and waddles and some do not.

Do I really have three roosters and if so, is there an absolute indicator? Thanks.

 

[BantamLover55]

Could you post some photos of each bird?

- BantamLover55

 

[Stephanie79]

I will post them as soon as I get home.

 

[BantamLover21]

If birds are crowing at this age, they are probably roosters. However, photos would help.

 

[Wyandottes7]

At this age, a crowing bird is almost certainly a rooster. Generally, only old hens occaisonally crow- young hens rarely, if ever will.

 

[donrae]

I agree, crowing at this age means male.

Being black copper Marans, they probably have different coloring, also. Hens of this breed will only have the copper around the neck, males will have it on the wings also. They are probably getting long, pointy hackle and saddle feathers at this age, also.

 

[Stephanie79]

 

[Stephanie79]

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Here's a couple of photos of the three in question.

 

[Stephanie79]

 

[donrae]

All males, sorry.