Hen or roo

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Nana K

Chirping
Oct 30, 2024
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Hello. I'm new to this site but have been referring to this site for info. I rescued 11 hens last year that had been abandoned. 2 are EE's and are 10+ yrs old and 9 are 5 yrs old, breeds unknown. Unfortunately, 2 have passed. This year, one hen got broody. I ordered 6 backyard mix eggs and she gladly accepted them. She's a trooper. She was broody for 3 wks before the eggs got here and she has been the best Mama for the last 6 wks. I have 2 necked necks and 4 unknowns. It's chilly here in the PNW and very wet (easy Skagit county). These little chicks are super hardy, she has them outside all day long, in a run. I have questions regarding nn gender. I understand it's early, only time will tell, but...would like some input. First pic is a couple days ago and the 2nd one is 10 days ago. It has big yellow legs and a pea comb. Any ideas?
 

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TwoCrows said:
Hello and welcome to BYC! :frow

Cutie pies! ❤️ There's a good chance the chick on the far right second photo is a cockerel but they can fool you. I'd wait this out a few more weeks to be sure.

Welcome to our community!
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Thank you. As a baby was chipmunk marked. I called it my pink turken. Personality plus! Likes to sit on my head. I think roo as well but it was the first to feather out. The big whitish one has smaller wing feathers and got tail later than the others. Also that one got waddles first. I'm nervous about the potential for 2 roosters. Not sure how to adjust my set up. Got a few weeks before intermingling with the big girls. I do worry that my EE will not tolerate males in her space.
 
SilverBirds said:
Hello and welcome to BYC! Thanks for joining us.
Pictures aren't great for IDing. Clear induvial pictures will make it easier to tell.
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Hard to do. But will try at some point. I have spent hours just sitting with them and not handling. They are now coming to me and sitting on me. I'm taking it very slow and building the trust.
 
Nana K said:
Thank you. As a baby was chipmunk marked. I called it my pink turken. Personality plus! Likes to sit on my head. I think roo as well but it was the first to feather out. The big whitish one has smaller wing feathers and got tail later than the others. Also that one got waddles first. I'm nervous about the potential for 2 roosters. Not sure how to adjust my set up. Got a few weeks before intermingling with the big girls. I do worry that my EE will not tolerate males in her space.
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Hens can be brutal toward cockerels until they are mature so you will need to separate boys into their own bachelor pad until you decide what to do. I've had young chicks develop wattles and large pink combs early on and still turn out to be gals. I think at this point you will have to wait and see who develops into what. 😊
 
janiedoe said:
Welcome to BYC! I wouldn't worry too much about your ee accepting a cockerel. You're hens will teach him to behave and he will eventually lead the flock.
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Though these chickens were abandoned, I have known them for 7 yrs. I took care of them when neighbor was out of town. Conditions were horrid, in my opinion, but you can't mess with someone else's possessions. I cleaned, I fed, I saved from opossum and bear. The EE's has a rooster at one point. He went blind and they cared for him like he was a chick. Really amazing. However, head of the flock, 10+ yrs old, is for all intents and purposes, their rooster. She seems interested in the chicks and sits by the fence all day long. Hopefully she will accept them.
 

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