Hen or Roo?

[TriciaTKB]

Is this a hen or a Roo? Just about 12 weeks old.

 

[Prince and Pavo]

Hello!

That’s a cockerel. Are you planning on keeping him? He’s very pretty!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
I agree, it's a cockerel. And he's good looking!
Mary

 

[TriciaTKB]

Hello!

That’s a cockerel. Are you planning on keeping him? He’s very pretty!

I took him back to my chicken breeder in late May thinking he was a her. She told me it was a hen. I have a small flock of 18 and all are hens. I have never wanted a cockerel and now I’m not sure what to do. She said she would exchange him for a hen, but I don’t want to add just one hen to my flock and have them pick on the new girl mercilessly. Ugh!!

 

[Prince and Pavo]

I took him back to my chicken breeder in late May thinking he was a her. She told me it was a hen. I have a small flock of 18 and all are hens. I have never wanted a cockerel and now I’m not sure what to do. She said she would exchange him for a hen, but I don’t want to add just one hen to my flock and have them pick on the new girl mercilessly. Ugh!!

May I ask why you do not want a male?

 

[TriciaTKB]

There’s really not a good answer! I have always just wanted the hens. I know I don’t want to raise baby chicks.

 

[Prince and Pavo]

There’s really not a good answer! I have always just wanted the hens. I know I don’t want to raise baby chicks.

Okay, that makes sense. You do not have to incubate the eggs, and you could always collect them if a hen decides to go broody…
Roosters bring a bit more diversity to a flock and their beauty is unmatchable. They often have amazing, lovable personalities when raised correctly as well! My roosters are some of my favorite birds in my flock and are very friendly with people, and most of them don’t mind being pet or held as much as many of my hens try to avoid it LOL! If you could keep him, I would definitely suggest or recommend that you do because you have the right conditions and plenty of hens for him! Of course it’s up to you, but that’s just my opinion

 

[TriciaTKB]

I appreciate your advice so much!! Now you have me thinking!!!

 

[Folly's place]

Polite roosters are great, and complete the flock IMO. Human aggressive or otherwise nasty roosters are miserable, and need to be someone's dinner. We've had both kinds, and only keep the good guys.
Consider keeping him and see how he behaves as he matures, and be ready to move him on if bad behaviors develop. Rarely are jerks 'fixable'.
Mary

 

[BastyPutt]

I appreciate your advice so much!! Now you have me thinking!!!

We have a ton of " farm animals" and aside from the pig, roosters are my hands down favorite. I never wanted them either, now I'll never go another day without.

As Folly's said, a good rooster is incredible. Your hens will love him, he will bring a natural feeling of security to the flock (not much actual security) and they are just magnificent creatures when you really dig into what they do.

cockerels can go through a period where they are learning the ropes, and can appear to be a jerk. But, usually around a year, you'll find out what temperament he will have, how he will treat the hens, etc.