Gender questioning. Could it be a rooster?

[bookbutterfly13]

We have a Rhode island red that has a far more pronounced comb and wattle compared to the other chickens in our flock. There are only four of them. This chicken has redder and larger comb and wattle, but is the same size as the others. They are also the same age. I have looked at the feathers(both saddle and hackle) and they seem no different. There are also no spurs. I know they are still rather young(3 1/2months), but the wattle and comb worry us a bit. I can get pictures if that would help. I really hope we didn't get an accidental rooster!

 

[GitaBooks]

A picture would be helpful, but it does sound like a roo. Roosters don't start developing most of their rooster characteristics until they are a little older, such as the feathers or the spurs.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[aart]

Redder and much larger usually indicates a cockerel...but pics would confirm.

 

[mymilliefleur]

-- I agree with the other members, from your description, it sounds like a cockerel.

 

[bookbutterfly13]

This is the chicken in question. Thanks for the help.

 

[aart]

Yup...cockerel.... saddle and hackle feathers should be showing up soon.

 

[junebuggena]

It's normal for a pullet to start getting a red comb at about 14 weeks old. It's actually not unheard of for hatchery RIR pullets to start laying at 16 weeks. I don't see any evidence that any of your birds are cockerels. They look like pullets to me.