What is the earliest I might be able to tell my Barred Rock chics apart and when should I definately know by? I can't have a rooster, I really have to get rid of a potential cock *before* the crowing starts. Any good markers with BRs?
Generally the roos will look lighter colored than the pullets because their white stripes are wider. Course, that only helps when you have a few to compare to each other, and even then it's just a guess. I have a couple BRs that are supposed to be roosters that are just as dark as some I bought as pullets. So, either they're pullets too or dark roosters. Confused yet? I sure am!! I have a young RIR rooster that's a couple months old and he's not crowing yet, not even trying. By 8 weeks or so I'd think you'd be able to tell the roosters from the pullets. They have bigger combs and wattles and more pronounces spur buds. HTHs, Liz