Gender check! New Hampshire red

[Ndonnine]

Went and picked up some new Hampshire refs and wanted to skip the first 2 months. I don't know a lot about this breed but they were out of any other pullets that were layers.

I was told these are but one of them looks like a Cockerel. It is a lot larger than the rest though so maybe an age difference....

Anyway I was told they are 8 weeks.

Thanks!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

The front, tall one in the group photo is a cockerel.

 

[Ndonnine]

The front, tall one in the group photo is a cockerel.

That's the one in the close up.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Yup! That’s a boy! Look at his wattles and darker comb.

 

[Ndonnine]

Yup! That’s a boy! Look at his wattles and darker comb.

Thought that might be the case. There's one slightly smaller with a fairly big comb but no wattles. But those two keep going at it. Wondering if I got two.. it's the one behind the suspect Cockerel!!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Right now, it appears to be a pullet. They will challenge their flock mates..including the cockerels. They are just establishing their pecking order. Will you keep the cockerel???

 

[Ndonnine]

Right now, it appears to be a pullet. They will challenge their flock mates..including the cockerels. They are just establishing their pecking order. Will you keep the cockerel???

Trying to decide if I want to. I've never had one just hens. I'm researching them now.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I never used to want a rooster....but now that I have 2 (EE roo and little serama roo) in my flock of 24, I can’t imagine having a flock without one!!!!

 

[Ndonnine]

I never used to want a rooster....but now that I have 2 (EE roo and little serama roo) in my flock of 24, I can’t imagine having a flock without one!!!!

My biggest concern is we have a single layer hen (Easter egger) that is a bit over 2 years old.. I'm wondering if introducing a younger rooster would be an issue.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Probably not an issue if she is introduced a pecking order will be established