Do pullets make sounds that might be mistaken for practice crowing? 4 of 11? With sexed pullets

[saysfaa]

Black australorps are 9 and a half weeks old. They were sexed chicks from Cackle so should be pullets but, of course, there is the 90% or so accuracy thing.

Today, one sounded suspiciously like practice crowing except it was only two or three notes. Chest out, head up without being chest to chest with another bird in that spar/test dance thing they do.

I've never raised chicks before so only have videos of practice crowing to go by. And knowing what mature crows sound like. The videos don't cover anything a pullet might do that might sound croaky/screechy like that.

I don't think I can get good pictures tonight... black birds, shady evening, no lights. I don't know if I'll be here tomorrow. So, just theoretical is enough for now because I'm talking with someone who may be the new home found for my extra pullets.

 

[JedJackson]

It's difficult to say. Pullets can make some odd noises. But if it looked and sounded like a crow, then it probably was, and that likely means it is a cockerel. Use your best judgement. Also, compare that bird to the others. Is its comb larger or redder or both? Are its legs thicker? If any of these apply, then that points to a cockerel as well.

 

[saysfaa]

I'm suspicious of three from their attitudes first, then combs, and now maybe feathers too - besides the maybe crow. That would make four cockerels out of 11 who are all supposed to be pullets. I guess I better just wait.

I tried to get pictures but they don't cooperate very well. The one in the middle of the first picture is Orange, the same as the one on the left of the second picture. In the second picture, I tried to get the "whose boss" encounter between Orange and BlueGreen, another I'm suspicious of.

 

[saysfaa]

Pictures of BlueGreen. In the next to last picture, BlueGreen is furthest to the right.

 

[saysfaa]

Picture of Purple.

 

[saysfaa]

BlueGreen and Orange are usually sparring. Orange seems to win most of the time but BlueGreen will upend (him?) off raised areas if (he?) can do from a direction Orange isn't watching.

BluePurple does some of this to a lesser degree. And has similar comb. I don't have any pictures of BluePurple that I know that is who it is.

Purple, pink, and green seem clearly pullets to me.

Orange's legs are clearly bigger than Purple's. Otherwise I can't see a difference between anyone and anyone elses. I tried to watch for that.

 

[Painted Calls]

They're pullets.

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Black australorps are slow to grow. Some of the pullets can have a larger comb. I would say if they are all the same size and no thick legs, they are pullets. My australorps do make interesting sounds and my brahma makes a squealing noise. I didn't get her at a young age, so I'm not sure when she started that though. Pullets will spar as well to figure out their place.
I'd just keep an eye on the one that has the bigger comb - it might just be top dog and hopefully not top cockerel.

 

[saysfaa]

Thank you. I'm relived. I've been gone much of a week; they grow up quickly.

 

[Iluveggers]

I think blue green has a bigger and redder comb...might be a roo. But I’m not very experienced.