crowing hen or? say it isn't so

[chycknFun]

I'm sure the "red pullet" pool at TSC is not guaranteed to be all of the same heritage. I thought they were sexlink where baby hens would be a variation of red & white and roos would be white thus making them easier to discern. Two of my chicks are solid red with some black feathers and these two are much larger than the others so are their combs and waddles. I have been hoping to chalk this up to breeding difference, however one of my solid red chicks, my best buddy, my most favorite, seems to be trying to crow. I know the neighbors won't be cool with too much racket outta my chickens how do I figure this out? Yep, that's my little show off in the front always first to greet me, compare to the chick behind

 

[chycknFun]

side by side comparison

 

[chicklittlel]

I'd say there's a VERY good chance you've got a couple of roosters. Last year I bought 3 half-grown hens so I could be sure I didn't get any more roosters and I swear one of them has turned out to be the meanest rooster I own. Sometimes you just can't tell til they're almost grown. If your's is gentle and friendly now, it will probably stay that way, but it will probably crow every morning. My neighbors don't seem to mind all my roosters crowing--hopefully, your's won't either.

 

[Fred's Hens]

side by side comparison

Not a Red Sex Link but a production red (hatchery version of RIR) Yes, that is a cockerel. Nice one too!

 

[Fred's Hens]

Those bins at TSC and other places often get chicks that look similar moved about and put in wrong places. It happens with some regularity.

 

[chycknFun]

I've been suspecting they were roos for quite a while but hoping it was maybe genetic differences like maybe a larger breed mix. Crossing my toes & fingers. I had 3 Roo's out of 25 chicks when I was a kid but I knew they were all 100% RIR so there was no doubt. If neighbors get mad I guess I will have to have a 2nd coop on my dad's farm or maybe make him a house pet?

 

[chycknFun]

The birds are friendly sometimes mischievous. I make lots of icecream requires lots of eggs. whem to the grocery store and saw eggs @ around $4 something a dozen for good eggs I got sticker shock. I scrambled immediately to TSC. They couldn't wait to get rid their few remaining chicks and I was/am all too happy to have them. I haven't tried to do this since I was a kid having backyard birds seems so different than having farm chickens. Seems like with fewer birds there is more time to be interactive with them. Feel lucky to have this resource! As far as picking chicks I will be more choosy next time about where i'll get chicks from....any recommendations?

 

[Fred's Hens]

A breeder. Getting and enjoying true bred to standard birds is a real joy.