Gender question?

[Oceanseve]

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?

 

[HillCountryMomma]

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