Hen Hackles

[takeo808]

I know it will ultimately be a wait-and-see kind of thing, but the girls have become part of the family and I'd hate to have to get rid of them if they turn out to be boys.

Here's a picture of her long, narrow, pointed neck feathers:



(hope this post actually goes through...the two above didn't work)

 

[takeo808]

Success!

 

[Kohhal]

Hi, did you find out if your hens are hen? I have a "hen" with pointed hackle feathers like your last pic and I'm hoping it won't turn out to be a cock or I'll have to pass it on...

 

[takeo808]

So far the only way I know they are hens, is because they haven't started crowing yet. I'm in the same boat as you. If they do start crowing, then it's bye bye to them. It's going to be hard because they really are like pets now. But, to be honest I think they will turn out to be hens and not roosters. They make the bawk bawk noises sometimes. But, until I hear crowing or start seeing some eggs, I'll just have to cross my fingers and wait.

 

[CraftyChicky]

I am in the same boat. My crew of chicks are 10-12 weeks old. I have been so worried with all the chest bumping, afraid that they were ALL roos... such good news to know that others are wondering the same, and there is hope I at least have some pullets! I know I have at least one roo, have heard a soft cock-a-doodle-doo, but wasn't there to identify who it was, but I have my ideas. It's funny, but I'm looking forward to the crowing! I'll feel like a real chicken farmer when I hear my cock crow.

 

[wastintime202]

I like your feeder..cool..chicks are beautiful

 

[Kohhal]

Well mine turned out to be a cock so back he went and I got a lovely new hen instead. Bit stressful but all settled in now