Hen or Roo? 3-4 week Americana

[Bonnie Furlong]

I bought 3 chicks that came from a hatchery. I was told it’s 98.5 percent certain they are hens but I’m worried I have a rooster. I live in a neighborhood so he wouldn’t be able to stay. I’m already going to have a broken hearted kiddo so the sooner we know the better. Would anyone be willing to give it a try? They are 3-4 week old Americanas. This isn’t a great picture. If there are specific pics that would help let me know and I’ll take more and post them. Thank you!!

 

[tmf321]

Probably a little early to tell but if you can get top and side profiles that would help

 

[Acre4Me]

A bit young still. Wait till 6-8 weeks and take side pics while the chick is standing. Also need to see comb and wattle development.

the good news is that most males won’t start to crow before 16 weeks, and even then, some won’t crow until much later.

 

[sealer39]

I can’t really tell from your pic but it looks like that chick has a three row pea comb. If so, then that’s a good indication it might be a cockerel. You’ll have to keep an eye on that one. Post pics again in a couple weeks.

 

[nao57]

If you have 'real kids' (not chicks...) then a possible strategy is timing the exit of the rooster at the same time as the replacement to mitigate emotional damage. You could even tell the kids its a trade, and it technically wouldn't be lying.

Maybe your kids are kind of young?

 

[Frazzemrat1]

way too soon to tell on this one. I don't see anything that screams cockerel in that head shot.

 

[Bonnie Furlong]

Here are some better pics! Thanks for the advice.

 

[bobhoke]

Hen

 

[sealer39]

It looks like you have black Ameraucanas. It’s looking more like a cockerel. Which Hatchery did you get them from?

 

[bobhoke]

It looks like a black jersey giant hen