Cockerel ?

[aplynn]

I am fairly new to the chicken raising thing, but so far I love it. I am however having a hard time telling if I have hens or Roos. Anyone know or have a good idea?

 

[Michael OShay]

The birds in your picture all look like Red Sex Links and given their color they should all be pullets. How old are they?

 

[aplynn]

They are 11 weeks.

 

[Michael OShay]

They are 11 weeks.

With a comb and wattles that large and red at 11 weeks, you have a cockerel. I'm thinking your bird is a 2nd generation Red Sex link (the offspring of an RSL rooster X an RSL hen) which is why it doesn't conform to the normal whitish color for a male Red Sex Link. Red Sex Links are hybrids which will not breed true, so if two Red Sex Links are crossed, the offspring will not be sex linked.

 

[aplynn]

Now this one is about 2 weeks younger then the other

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Now this one is about 2 weeks younger then the other

Cockerel front and center as well as to the back and left

 

[Michael OShay]

Now this one is about 2 weeks younger then the other

This one is a Production Red cockerel.

 

[aplynn]

So do I have to get rid of them or can I just keep them separate from the hens? I know we wanted at least one rooster not really sure what to do with the others

 

[Michael OShay]

So do I have to get rid of them or can I just keep them separate from the hens? I know we wanted at least one rooster not really sure what to do with the others

You can keep them separate from the hens if you don't mind feeding unproductive mouths. )

 

[junebuggena]

As long as it's legal to keep them and you have enough hens, there is no need to separate. Boys that grow up together generally tolerate each other and will obey the lead rooster. You will need to have at least 8 to 10 girls per boy, though. Unless incubated, fertile eggs will not develop into chicks.