Easter Egger Rooster?

[ChickenThunderdome]

Ordered 3 EEs from cackle 5 months back. They are about 4 months old now. One of these has a slightly redder/(very slightly)slightly bigger comb than the other two, also the tail feathers are a bit droopy. To me this would say ROOSTER. However she/he does not crow at all, nor does she/he have spurs. No waddle has been seen and the comb looks like the other hens other than being maybe 10-20% larger and redder.

Would we know by now at the 4 month mark if it was a rooster or not? I'd expect a bigger comb development or crowing by now?

Grab pictures when I can. PS for what it's worth we paid for all girls. I realize this is only 90% accurate from cackle.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I'd expect a bigger comb development or crowing by now?

All are individuals... my friend has a rooster over a year old that has yet to crow. My latest crower was about 35+ weeks. My earliest about a 4 week old Silkie.

Pics the only way to confirm for sure. But here is one that shows you a definitive answer... IF saddle feathers have started coming in, and they should by your stated age..

Many hatcheries will refund your money for incorrectly sexed chicks, though you still have to deal with the cockerels.

 

[ChickenThunderdome]

 

[ChickenThunderdome]

 

[ChickenThunderdome]

Sorry I'm on my phone so it's hard to condense into a post.

Rooster or hen?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Cockerel

 

[ChickenThunderdome]

Thanks that's what I figured but was hoping not true.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Cockerel, sorry!

 

[Lily the poultry keeper]

View attachment 1837676

Sorry I'm on my phone so it's hard to condense into a post.

Rooster or hen?

100% rooster pretty boi

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sorry I'm on my phone so it's hard to condense into a post.

Rooster or hen?

The other posters are correct. The Polish I see a wisp of in the front of the first pic is also a cockerel. Looks like a pretty flock.

However she/he does not crow at all, nor does she/he have spurs. No waddle has been seen and the comb looks like the other hens other than being maybe 10-20% larger and redder.

For what it's worth, the bearding gene inhibits wattle size, making them smaller on bearded birds. Spurs do not develop quite this young.

But to throw a wrench in... even though it isn't super common, hens can grow spurs and even crow! I have a barred Rock hen that started crowing around 2+ years old. And have come across other BYCer's that have both spurs and crowing from their KNOWN hens, that HAVE laid eggs.

100% rooster pretty boi

Hi there, hope you are enjoying BYC!

Technically no.

Chickens don't earn their hen or rooster title until they reach a year old. Prior to that it is pullet or cockerel.

It's not always important to use the correct terms. But it's great to be aware of them, as sometimes it is truly relevant when discussing behaviors and health conditions. So no rudeness meant, my intent is to share info and help BYC stay the best ever on line community.