Hen or Roo??

[Ol Grey Mare]

Your Maple is Marvin.

Sorry. No doubt about it. That much comb at 6 to 7 weeks is rooster. Also, he is exhibiting the whiter male pattern of the SS.

X 2

 

[Mysimplewyominglife]

Another thought too...you can also see if the place you purchased the chicks will take the rooster back. Most feed stores will.

I would then recommend getting another bird to keep your hen company. I can especially recommend bantam Cochins as very pleasant companions for children. They also telecast very early as to sex...males will get large red combs by 6 to 8 weeks.

Most Bantam Cochins, or Pekins, are lovable mops, and purchasing several pullets together should bring a delightful addition to your little flock of pets.

LofMc

Now this I can full agree with.

 

[Mysimplewyominglife]

Roosters can be gentle for sure sorry you can't keep him

I don't get why roosters is so horrible in cities I mean how about limit one? Sure they crow but at night you can't hear them inside and it's not THAT often they crow I'm sure a barking dog or screaming kids are just as loud lol

Old debate though right?

My Roo crows when one of us comes driving up home its like he's welcoming us back and letting the rest of us that someone's back home

Omg yes dog, kids,adults even cats can be just as loud or louder. And i don't get why you can't keep at least 1in a city seems silly to me but then again most ppl don't look at chickens as pets do they. Think chickens are better then some did and cats plus side chicken poo is great for the garden unlike dog and cat poo lol

 

[JenWyatt]

I appreciate all of the input! I had chickens growing up, raised from chicks. But, we lived in Donnelly, ID so having roosters was never an issue. We had one roo who was very sweet, and one that was not so nice at all. He was very aggressive! So I can understand both sides of your statements completely. Living in the city now, I want my girls to experience the things I did growing up! Unfortunately I cannot keep him, but my mother said she will take him. Which is a plus because I know he will be taken care of properly and we will be able to see him. I received these two from one of my employees. She had no idea how to raise chickens so I told her to bring them to me. She purchased them from D&B supply, so that is why I only have an estimate of how old they are. I will purchase a couple of pullets so Izzy is not lonely. This does make me incredibly sad though. Is it unrealistic to think they are very attatched to each other? Haha I sure am! Thank you again

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I appreciate all of the input! I had chickens growing up, raised from chicks. But, we lived in Donnelly, ID so having roosters was never an issue. We had one roo who was very sweet, and one that was not so nice at all. He was very aggressive! So I can understand both sides of your statements completely. Living in the city now, I want my girls to experience the things I did growing up! Unfortunately I cannot keep him, but my mother said she will take him. Which is a plus because I know he will be taken care of properly and we will be able to see him. I received these two from one of my employees. She had no idea how to raise chickens so I told her to bring them to me. She purchased them from D&B supply, so that is why I only have an estimate of how old they are. I will purchase a couple of pullets so Izzy is not lonely. This does make me incredibly sad though. Is it unrealistic to think they are very attatched to each other? Haha I sure am! Thank you again

You grew up just up the road from where I grew up -- I'm originally from Council! Rather jealous that you live close enough to have had your chicks come from D&B - one of my favorite places.
It isn't unrealistic to think that they have bonded as flockmates, but they will both adjust fine to a change in their flock make-up when they are separated and introduced to new flocks (him in his new home and Izzy to her new friends)

 

[JenWyatt]

I'm sorry...there is not doubt this is a rooster...and with inexperienced chicken owners, it is best to re-home when there are children who want the chickens as pets.

Far too many children have been seriously injured from roosters spurring them.

My desire is to protect inexperienced owners from a sadder misfortune than re-homing a beloved pet. Roosters are not domesticated like cats and dogs (which yes, can also be problematic, most dogs end up in the humane society for having bitten a child).

A few questions to anyone seeking the bird will weed out undesirables. I've pleasantly re-homed a number of birds through Craisgslist (as well as chicken forums in my area).

I would be remiss not to inform a new owner of the risks to their children.
LofMc

Thank you for your concern. It is appreciated! Although, I grew up helping my mom raise our chickens, I do know first hand how aggressive a rooster can be. I will be rehoming him with my mother. We handle the chicks daily, so it is kind of a sad situation for us. I would never want my girls injured though. I remember my sister and I dreaded going out to get eggs and feed every day because of that darn Rooster we had. He was beautiful, but oh so mean!! It was always a race, bob and weave, bob and weave! Haha

 

[Shezadandy]

I appreciate all of the input! I had chickens growing up, raised from chicks. But, we lived in Donnelly, ID so having roosters was never an issue. We had one roo who was very sweet, and one that was not so nice at all. He was very aggressive! So I can understand both sides of your statements completely. Living in the city now, I want my girls to experience the things I did growing up! Unfortunately I cannot keep him, but my mother said she will take him. Which is a plus because I know he will be taken care of properly and we will be able to see him. I received these two from one of my employees. She had no idea how to raise chickens so I told her to bring them to me. She purchased them from D&B supply, so that is why I only have an estimate of how old they are. I will purchase a couple of pullets so Izzy is not lonely. This does make me incredibly sad though. Is it unrealistic to think they are very attatched to each other? Haha I sure am! Thank you again

If you can find a couple of pullets to go with Izzy and "Marvin"-- I would introduce them while Marvin is still around so the numbers are equal. (after proper quarantine, of course) They may well be attached- but when Marvin starts asking Izzy on a date every 15 minutes while Izzy has no clue why he's grabbing the top of her head ... there's a natural break there. Eventually she'll look to avoid him! Cockerels can make a great social bridge, though, so if you can keep him around while Izzy gets used to her new friends, that's how I'd do it. So glad your mom can give Marvin a home!

 

[drumstick diva]

I think it's great Maple (Marvin)will have a safe home, and Izzy will make new friends.

 

[JenWyatt]

Well, I guess we will call him Marvin! Haha

 

[JenWyatt]

Here is Miss Izzy. I'm not sure what breed she is though, I was thinking leghorn because she substantially heavier than Marvin. What do you all think?