Breed & sex

[drumstick diva]

x2 Alexandra 33

 

[Famersam]

Thank you so much for all that info!

I have 2 Plymouth Barred Rock that are about 16 weeks old. I have 3 Australian thorps ( I think they’re called), a golden laced and then this one pictured which are all about 10 weeks old.

At this time they’re penned all the time in a fenced area that’s about 20x20ft plus a coop that they are put in overnight with 3 nesting boxes.

Cockeral(generally considered a rooster after 1 year of age).

A ten week old pullet would not have that comb growth. Also I believe I am seeing pointy saddle and hackles beginning to come in and the deep red in the shoulder area seems to be appearing as well. That is gender specific coloring male only if that deep red continues to deveold and is only in the shoulder.

I'm really glad someone mentioned to you that you can eat fertile eggs. It's an old wivestale that they can't be eaten and many people sadly still believe it. As long as you pick up your eggs every day and don't incubate them or allow a hen to set on them for several days you will never open an egg and find a chick. If you're worried you can always use a flashlight to candle the eggs before cracking. Having a rooster in the flock will also not increase the odds of bloodspots/meat spots. These are totally normal and can occur on occasion, oviduct lining does have to renew itself just like any tissue. If your hens are large fowl your cockeral may have a hard time breeding them but it is completely possible.

Many peoepp live places where cockerals/roosters are not allowed but if you live some place and want to keep your little boy go for it. He won't increase egg production or decrease it. He will be cute and entertaining and he will (if he is a good cockeral) take care of his ladies.

On a side note as he matures his hormones may at first make him pretty rough with the girls as he figures things out. For this reason many people end up getting rid of cockerals or sometimes separate them while they get their hormones under control. How many pullets/hens do you have? Are they penned constantly?

If they are allowed to free range they will be able to avoid his advances better.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Mille Fleur Booted Bantam Cockerel

Fertilized eggs are quite edible. They won't turn into chicks or anything unless put in an incubator or set under a hen for 21 days.

 

[Ladybird CA]

Sorry didn't think about mentioning that fertilized eggs are edible, some stores like Trader Joe's actually sells fertilized eggs for eating. Glad someone mentioned it though