Hen or Roo? Need to know!

[LoveClockwise]

This little chicky, (I named them Lavender) was wandering a neighbor's backyard. We do not live in farm country. I suspect they're a rooster, I think I heard them crowing. Also, if they have no home we can find, or in the meanwhile, can they have hen feed??

 

[Ecarroll]

Definitely a cockerel or rooster. Do you have other chickens?
I’d say he’ll be fine eating later feed, long term might not be the best, you could switch to all flock with calcium on the side. People do feed layer with Roos, just maybe not the best, but totally fine for the time being. Good luck!

 

[LoveClockwise]

Thanks! Yes, I have 4 others.

 

[Ecarroll]

Thanks! Yes, I have 4 others.

Great! I suspect you’ll make a good new home for him! I would integrate slowly, with the see but don’t touch method, to make sure you keep the peace in the flock. Probably he was abandoned b/c he’s male, but make sure he’s not aggressive, and check for things like mites.

 

[Chickenpoonumber2]

He's pretty! If you live in town, you might want to check your local laws about roosters. I live in town and it's no roosters allowed here.

 

[LoveClockwise]

Yes, if we had to keep him, no roos are allowed but all our neighbors are nice. If someone told on us, I'd have a plan B. Hopefully he wasn't abandoned

 

[LoveClockwise]

Also, does anyone know his breed?

 

[redinator]

Thanks! Yes, I have 4 others.

Quarantine

 

[LoveClockwise]

Update!! Roo is doing fine, and we found a new home for him on a farm! Our hen Clockwise, though, thinks she's a rooster. I had to get in-between their fight. Clockwise's neck feathers and tail puffed up, and she was dancing around! I have never seen her do that when displaying dominance to other hens.