Do i have a Rooster?

[Laura B23]

I'm new at raising chicks. Bought four 3 day old chicks mid Feb., 2 Americauna's, a white leghorn, and a black australorp. One of the Americauna's seems to be very large for being 3 months and is becoming quite a beauty! But now i'm wondering if She might actually be a He? I tried doing a bit of research. I heard you can tell by the feathers around this age, but I'm having trouble with that. Can anyone with more knowledge of chicks tell from the pictures?

 

[Pyxis]

He is a cockerel, and is an easter egger, not an ameraucana.

 

[Lifeiseasy]

That is definitely a rooster. A beautiful one too! You can see that his hackle (neck) and saddle (back/base of the tail) feathers are pointed unlike a hen’s. That generally means a rooster. He also has the shiny iridescent tail that most if not all roosters do.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! He's a very handsome Easter Egger cockerel; hope he's behaving well for you.
Read up on managing cockerels; beekissed has a very good article about it. Some boys are wonderful, and some just aren't. As a new chicken owner, learn about behaviors that he may try out on you that can't be allowed, like 'dancing' for you, or pecking at you, or not moving out of your way.
All the best,
Mary

 

[Hensndoes]

Beauty he is! The red over the wings gives him away. Roos can be wonderful for a flock. I just love mine - but they are good boys. As Mary said- some good some not so much. I hope you can keep him!

 

[Laura B23]

Wow, I've learned so much from this one post, i'm amazed! Thank you everyone for sharing your knowledge!
I am going to try to keep him. No issues at this point, he's behaving very well and is fun to watch. . I definitely have some homework to do and will read the article you suggested Mary.
I am surprised he is an Easter Egger and not an Americauna as I was told when I purchased him. Now I wonder about the 2nd one I have. She is completely different coloring but also has a lot of feathers around the face. I will need to do more research on these breads.

 

[Gray Farms]

Nope, you've got a cockerel.

 

[Folly's place]

Many (most) hatcheries and feed stores sell Easter Eggers mislabeled as Ameraucanas. I like them better myself; generally much better egg production! EEs can be any color, and can lay eggs tan, pink, green, or aqua. They are crossbreds, and are lovely birds.
Roosters vary in temperament; good, bad, or ugly. Only the good ones are worth having!
Mary