Hen or Roo Rhode Island Red?

[thytay&chickenmomma]

We bought some pullet Rhode Island Reds from RK on sale on 4-8-17, were told they were older and they needed them gone. We were told they were different ages, probably 1-several weeks old when purchased. So I am guessing age is maybe around 15ish weeks?? We call her Ms.Hen, because she was the biggest of all of the chicks and developed her crest/waddle before the others. We figured she was just one of the older chicks when we got them. We thought for sure our Ms.Hen was going to be the 1st to lay eggs for us, until I started noticing her tail feathers. She is the only one with tail feathers that are curving downward, and her crest/waddle are definitely larger than my other hens. I am new to chickens, these are my first chickens, so I am unsure if she is actually a... he? No attempt at crowing, no spurs, not aggressive, and so I kept saying it has to be a she. But as she gets older, I am really questioning if she, is a she, or a he. Anyone know??

 

[TopRooster]

Looks like a cockerel to me with those tail and saddle feathers and comb

 

[chickenlover❤️]

Looks like a cockerel to me. I'm new at raising chickens and learning about them but your bird has a lot of male body features - sorry

 

[Gray Farms]

Cockerel

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Most definitely a cockerel

 

[thytay&chickenmomma]

Thanks for confirming, I was afraid so. Ms.Hen, who now is Mr.Hen, is my daughter's favorite chicken so we will keep him. Being as this is our first chickens, and I'm not wanting any baby chicks, I would have to separate him from the others I know, but do roosters do well being seperated and by themselves? None of the girls are laying yet, when should I separate him? Also, he's been eating lots of feathers laying around. Not plucking his or others, just eating them off the ground. He's the only one doing this, normal for a rooster or possible issue?

 

[akwood14]

Pullets or cockerels? ~8 weeks old

 

[chickenlover❤️]

Pullets or cockerels? ~8 weeks old

Pullets, I think. For 8wo, they don't have a large red comb. Are they RIR's? Can you post other pics?

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Thanks for confirming, I was afraid so. Ms.Hen, who now is Mr.Hen, is my daughter's favorite chicken so we will keep him. Being as this is our first chickens, and I'm not wanting any baby chicks, I would have to separate him from the others I know, but do roosters do well being seperated and by themselves? None of the girls are laying yet, when should I separate him? Also, he's been eating lots of feathers laying around. Not plucking his or others, just eating them off the ground. He's the only one doing this, normal for a rooster or possible issue?

You ABSOLUTLY do NOT need to separate them!

Chicks can only hatch if the eggs are incubated for 21 days, And a hen sits on them for that time,You will need to collect them more often in hot weather though.

 

[thytay&chickenmomma]

You ABSOLUTLY do NOT need to separate them!

Chicks can only hatch if the eggs are incubated for 21 days, And a hen sits on them for that time,You will need to collect them more often in hot weather though.

Oh, okay! I had no idea, thank you for this information. So as long as we collect the eggs every morning & evening, we should be good. Thank you!