Hen or rooster? And if rooster, what to do in Montgomery County, MD

[vinita1980]

Smoke is 16 weeks old and I am afraid she/ he/ they are showing rooster features and tendencies. We got them as a chick at tractor supply. I think they're a sapphire gem or sapphire olive egger.

And if she's a he, any suggestions on what to do with her in Montgomery County, MD?

 

[JedJackson]

It is definitely a male. I would advertise for a free rooster on Craigslist or at any rural farm store.

 

[Anon112]

Washington County is just an hour or so up the road, and there aren't the same restrictions.

 

[vinita1980]

Well, darn. He's supposed to be a pullet. Any recourse to consider with TSC? I think another chick is bought is also a rooster but I couldn't get a clear picture today.

 

[JedJackson]

View attachment 4181604
Well, darn. He's supposed to be a pullet. Any recourse to consider with TSC? I think another chick is bought is also a rooster but I couldn't get a clear picture today.

I would ask and maybe have a picture and receipt at hand. They may offer a refund.

 

[sourland]

It's a cockerel. Even with sexed chicks, there can be at least a 10% incorrect gender ID.

 

[jbj25]

Yes, 100% cockerel. With TSC it is about 50/50 at best.

 

[Anon112]

I believe that the stores get chicks that are sexed by the hatchery, not the store itself.

Olive Eggers are pretty coveted. Deer Run Farm sells them for $25. I'd see if you can find a buyer/adopter up in Washington County.

 

[vinita1980]

Thank you all, and what about this rustic rock? Cockerel too?

 

[jbj25]

I believe that the stores get chicks that are sexed by the hatchery, not the store itself.

Olive Eggers are pretty coveted. Deer Run Farm sells them for $25. I'd see if you can find a buyer/adopter up in Washington County.

There are always people who say that. And, I am sure they do, but that doesn't mean they are handling them right once they get to the store. And, it is not just the sexing of the chicks, but the breed as well that are wrong there so many times.

Now, it could be that Hoovers doesn't care what they give TSC and it is some of their fault. But, I do know that you can order chicks from TSC online and Hoovers send them straight to you by passing the store and they will be correct, or at least they have been for me and several other people I know that have ordered them that way through the years. We have never had one wrong sex or breed doing it that way.