Concerned about one of my RSL's

[jklett]

I have 6 RSL's about 8 weeks old and one of them has me concerned that she might be a he. I also have 6 production reds and I know that one of them is a cockerel. Here is the one in question.

Any thoughts?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If it's a red sex link than it's a hen, a rooster would be mostly white.

 

[jklett]

Thanks. That's what I thought but the pinking up and wattles have me nervous. It's the only one of the red sex links like that, I knew about the production red at 4 weeks because of that and I am worried that I might wind up with 2 roosters.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It would make me wonder too.

 

[jklett]

It's weird, I put them in the coop yesterday and this one's comb and wattles were back to a pinkish yellow like the others that I am sure are pullets. Is it possible that "she" was just worked up and that's why they turned darker? My male production red on the other hand is still pretty pink in his comb and wattles and they are huge compared to all the others(they're all the same age). Maybe I am getting worried about nothing, I guess only time will tell.

 

[donrae]

Yep, that is possible. Combs and wattles have a huge amount of blood flow, and increased circulation can cause a flush like that.

And conversely, a decrease in blood flow from something like heart failure causes a darkening/purple color of the combs and wattles.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Combs and wattles are a sign of sexual development and readiness to mate, as well as functioning as a way to get rid of excess heat. So that would make sense.

 

[jklett]

Thanks, I sort of thought that but wasn't sure. I'll let y'all know what happens in a few weeks with this one.

BTW, they went crazy this morning when I threw a chunk of sod in with them. Pecking and scratching and making a big ruckus. They found a few worms so I might not have as much luck with dried mealworms to lure them back at night.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They do love sod clumps, I start giving them in the breeder at around 1-2 weeks. They are fun to watch when running with worms.

 

[Eragon36]

are you saying that if my rsl is white or very light yellow then its a rooster?