Help sexing lavender Orpington

[WFraz]

Hi! I got my flock back at the end of June when they were about six weeks old, and the homestead I bought my chickens from sold me what they said was a lavender Orpington cockerel. It's been about 11-ish weeks (which would make him about 17 weeks old or so) and, well, I'm not too sure what he's supposed to look like at this age, but I imagined his wattles and comb would be more pronounced at this point. He certainly seems to lead the flock, but he could just be the alpha.

Any help would be much appreciated!

Also, as a second question. I have a pullet that was sold to me as an Easter Egger, but she doesn't look anything like the other Easter Eggers I have and is certainly more flighty than they are. Just wondering if she is, indeed, a "mix" or if she's a completely different breed; not that it matters really, I'm just curious. Thanks!

 

[FarmerGirl101]

All pullets

 

[KikiLeigh02]

Lavender Oprington looks like a pullet! I'm thinking your second one is an EE, very pretty coloring!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Lovely pullets

 

[drumstick diva]

agree

 

[Cryss]

No cockerel there. She's gonna give you eggs in about 3 weeks.

 

[WFraz]

Thank you all so much for the help! Guess I'll start looking for a rooster! Does anyone have any experience with Easter Egger roosters?

 

[Cryss]

Thank you all so much for the help! Guess I'll start looking for a rooster! Does anyone have any experience with Easter Egger roosters?

Lets get a bit of information about your flock. How many chickens do you have, what are their ages. Are you raising them for pets, eggs, meat, or for shows? And lastly, most importantly, why do you want a rooster?
And WELCOME to BYC! I've learned so much from here in less than a year. I didn't know what I didn't know! You've come to a great place for answers. I look forward to your seeing posts and pictures of your feathered babies Oh. One more question. What is your location? It helps to know so we can help determine your seasons and weather. Different breeds thrive in different climates among other details. It would help if you put it in your bio. Not detailed address, just a location. Example, I'm in Northwest New Jersey, Warren County area.
Good luck with your chickens!

 

[WFraz]

Currently there are six, all supposedly about 16-18 weeks old now. I'm raising them for pets/eggs, and I want a rooster to help with the flock dynamic, they seem fun to watch, potential breeding, and also for flock protection (I do let them free-range a bit on my 60 acres).

Thank you! My location is Monroe County, Pennsylvania, so probably not too far from you!

 

[Cryss]

Not far at all!
So you want a rooster for protection and for breeding. I'm sure lots of people with more experience than me will chime in here. My own thoughts on protection is that a rooster will sound the alarm so the gals will hopefully reach shelter in time and alert you. They aren't very effective in an actual battle. And EVERYTHING likes chicken dinner. Hardware cloth is your friend.
An Easter Egger rooster will have the gene for green eggs to pass to offspring but when cross bred with other colored egg layers I THINK the female could possibly have the dominant gene. If that's something that you're thinking about there are people here that are very into the genetics of breeding chickens and would be helpful. EEs are pretty cool chickens. Could produce some interesting results. Easter Eggers are all a mixed breed, mutts of the chicken world, and come in so many variations of colors and patterns. I have a beautiful EE hen that lays pretty green eggs. She is quite flighty so I'm glad I have a wire covering on top of my run, originally to keep out hawks, crows, and owls. Once she started laying eggs she was easier to pick up because she started the squat.
My understanding is that you should have 10 hens for each rooster to prevent over breeding and unintentional abuse. Many people with small flocks won't have a rooster for that reason since they don't need one to get eggs. And once a young cockerel reaches maturity they can become agressive to people.
Ask tons of questions here. There's so much great information and so many knowledgeable people here.
By the way, your Lavender Orpington pullet is very pretty! I have an accidental Lavender Orpington rooster. I didn't want a rooster but he was my favorite chook before I knew she was a he. I can't allow any offspring from him because he has pendulous crop which is hereditary. And not fun to deal with. And I cant rehome him. No one would want to breed him so he'd be destined for someones stewpot. He is my pet rooster. He keeps the ladies "company". I'm jealous of your LO pullet.
Best of luck with your flock. Looking forward to hearing more about them and what happens with your search for a cockerel.
And Pictures! We all love lots of chicken pictures!