BRs- all boys?

[wannabe81]

So I have been wanting my own flock for a while and finally convinced DH to get on board- we got 6 chicks from the feed store for Easter. First, I am not completely convinced they are BR's - looking at all of the other breeds- I know there are many that look alike at this age. Second- I am crossing my fingers (and toes!) for pullets- I think I may have two- but they are light colored like males would normally be. They are all approx 8 weeks old. (we got them from the store a week before easter)




Can you spot any pullets in my flock?

these are the two that are questionably pullets- they both have some black wash on their legs, and have small yellow-er combs.









these four have considerably larger combs, much redder and I am pretty sure they are all roosters.

I am betting that they are all roosters, I just want someone to tell me otherwise..... (please)

 

[PoultryGirly]

They all look like Barred Rock cockerels What are the odds?!?!

 

[wannabe81]

i know right?!! I figured I would at least get 50/50...

 

[Fred's Hens]

Unfortunately, the "straight run" bins at feed stores often contain a much larger percentage of males than 50%.

Yes, the photos show cockerels. 100%.

The females would not have red wattles sprouting, nor red combs at this age and they would appear darker, with more cuckoo patterned bars, as they hatchery stock.

 

[wannabe81]

Thank you for your reply! Thats what I figured... now I just have to figure out what to do with them...

 

[MontanaDolphin]

I'd still wait before making any decisions of what to do with them.

I have seen many MANY pictures and read many stories of hatchery chicks that do NOT follow the norm when it comes to sex. I have read where people have sworn they had a cockerel, then it laid an egg. Or swore they had a pullet, and then it crowed. I have seen pictures of pullets that have pink combs. I have seen pullets that have the feathering of male BR's. Unfortunately, this is what we have to deal with when purchasing hatchery chicks.

If it does turn out that your chicks are all cockerels, you have four choices. Keep them, find them new homes, kill them, or kill them and eat them. My first batch of BR's (bought from Southern States) were supposed to be 5 pullets and 1 cockerel. They are now 10 weeks old, and I have 4 cockerels and 2 pullets. I am keeping one cockerel...the other three are going to be dinner (when they get older...between 18 and 20 weeks).

Yours look much younger than mine were at 8 weeks. Are you sure that's how old they are? Here mine are at 8 weeks:

Zeus...he was the one picked out as a cockerel, and he's also my favorite:



Pixie, cockerel, runt of the bunch:


Brave Boy, cockerel:


Boring Boy, cockerel:


Athena, pullet:


Boring Girl, pullet:

 

[wannabe81]

Thanks Montana! I saw your thread on another discussion page and it was very helpful. Your pullets are very dark and have such a small comb, mine are all much bigger and lighter. One day on craigslist and they are all going to good homes. I also found some BR pullets for sale a few towns away, so I am going to start again... this time, I know more about what to look for and what to do. I am really loving this new "hobby" though! Thanks everyone for your help!

 

[MontanaDolphin]

What state are you located?

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

I'm sorry, all cockerels.

 

[wannabe81]

I am in Maryland. I actually placed them in a new home today! I am sad to see them go because I got very attached to them, but I know once they go through "puberty" they aren't going to want to snuggle me anymore... It was for the best...