Hens or rooster?

[kona26]

Hello I have 6 chickens and some look to be roosters. I just got my first egg today

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using Tapatalk

 

[donrae]

Nope, everyone's female. What you were thinking to be rooster characteristics are probably just the larger, redder comb and wattles of a sexually mature hen, showing your first egg was close.

 

[sourland]

I agree with Rachel - all of the birds pictured are pullets.

 

[kona26]

That is good to hear. So I put the nesting box in last night and this morning I see our first egg. Is there something I should be doing or looking out for now? I live around Portland and it has been hot.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using Tapatalk

 

[kona26]

Nope, everyone's female. What you were thinking to be rooster characteristics are probably just the larger, redder comb and wattles of a sexually mature hen, showing your first egg was close.

Was the egg the tell tail sign. ? I am new to chicken. These are my first. And this is my first egg. It has been hot out and I was starting to get worried Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using Tapatalk

 

[donrae]

Well, the egg doesn't hurt

. But for the age of your birds, a male would have even larger comb and wattles, sex feathers on the hackle and saddle areas, and a different body shape. Plus, you'd likely have crowing by now. All your birds are nicely rounded and feminine looking, with hen feathers. Several look like they'll be laying pretty soon.

 

[kona26]

Lol thank you. So with the eggs should I leave the 1 in the nesting box for now or take it out? And when I do re move the eggs do I need to do anything to them. Or just put them in the fridge until we use them ?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using Tapatalk

 

[junebuggena]

Remove the egg. Put in a few dummy eggs. You can keep the eggs on your counter for over 2 weeks. In the fridge, they will last for a few months.

 

[donrae]

Take that egg out and eat it

Some folks seed the nests with fake eggs or golf balls, just to give the hens the idea where to lay. Not a bad idea for new layers.

 

[kona26]

This is the one I was worried about. What us up with the different feathers ?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using Tapatalk