Eight Week old RIRs.

[La Cresta Toni]

My chicks look almost exactly the same, color, comb, tail feathers, but one is about three times the size as the other. I was afraid the big one was a rooster, but size is the only sign. I can only assume that they were born the same time, they were closer to the same size in the beginning. Is it possible I have two hens? They are my first and I am attached. Guess I just need to know if I need my husband to build a rooster coop.

 

[CCCCCCCCHICKENS]

The best way to figure it out, would be for you to post some pictures

 

[donrae]

Pics would be good.

Why would you need a rooster coop?

 

[La Cresta Toni]

I figured I needed a separate coop since I would have 3 hens and one rooster. I have been told you need more hens or the rooster will hurt them? I will try for pictures. You know they move quickly.

 

[donrae]

If you do have a rooster, I'd try things and see how they go. folks here quote the ten hens for a rooster, but that's not an absolute or magical number. I've had 4 roosters and a dozen hens, free ranging, and everyone was okay. I've had one rooster stalk two specific hens, even free ranging and with 20+ other hens to choose from. You just can't predict what animals will do.

If you do have a rooster, and didn't plan for one, I'd advise to just get rid of it. No need to keep an animal you didn't want, and a rooster living by himself will be miserable. roosters add a whole new dimension to chicken keeping that most new folks just don't need. Especially if there are kids in the picture.