Hens or Roosters? (Bonus thanks if you can verify breed)

[cyberwuzzle]

Hi all -- This is my first attempt to raise chickens. I purchased what I believed were five Rhode Island Reds chicks from a nearby farmer. He tried to pick all females for me, but I know this is hard when they're so little. They're about 3 and 1/2 weeks now and I'm starting to suspect I got a whole bunch of roosters. There are three that seem to be maturing faster than the other two (I suspect chicks 3-5 to be males, pictures below). Although they may not have all been the same age when I purchased them.

I know they're still pretty young, but you guys seem knowledgeable. Anyone want to take a shot at sexing these birds? There's a head shot and a body shot of each.

Also, in your opinion do these looks like RIRs?

I only have one chicken tractor, big enough for six birds. I guess, if I do have a bunch of roos, my only options is either to get a big coop and more hens, or give the roosters away. They don't co-habitate well, right?

Thanks for your time!



Chick 1 -- head shot.... Pullet?



Chick 1 -- body shot



Chick 2 -- head shot....Pullet?



Chick 2 -- body shot



Chick 3 -- head shot



Chick 3 -- body shot




Chick 4 -- head shot



Chick 4 -- body shot




Chick 5 -- head shot



Chick 5 -- body shot

 

[ozu]

My guesses are:

Chick 1: Pullet
Chick 2: Pullet
Chick 3: Cockerel
Chick 4: Cockerel
Chick 5: Cockerel

I'm going mostly off the RIR cockerel I had (we gave him back to the farm)- who we thought were a girl at first... oops.

 

[AraucanaAnnie]

My guesses are:

Chick 1: Pullet
Chick 2: Pullet
Chick 3: Cockerel
Chick 4: Cockerel
Chick 5: Cockerel

I'm going mostly off the RIR cockerel I had (we gave him back to the farm)- who we thought were a girl at first... oops.

I agree. First 2 are pullets, last 3 are cockerels. Also, I'd say they are production RIRs.

 

[CochinBrahmaLover]

1 hen, the second might be a hen but more likely roo, the rest are roosters

Eta;; breed wise... Probably RIRs, but when they feather out they'll lose some of that black and such, and then it'll be easier to tell breed based on shade

 

[One Chick Two]

I have to agree.
Roo at 6 weeks. All of our boys had early combs, and are just reddening now. Our 16 week old pullets have smaller combs than they do.

 

[CherishHolland]

I agree pullet pullet and the rest look to be cockerels

 

[Kelsie2290]

Agree with the girl, could be a girl, and 3 boys... did they have any other red breeds? Some of those look like what I expect RIRs to look like, but some of them seem pretty light colored?

 

[cyberwuzzle]

Thanks for the feedback. Looks like everyone agrees.

We have a chicken tractor big enough for six and plans for a stationary coop, so we'll wait and see on these guys. We don't have to get rid of the roos, (we live way out in the country). But if they start fighting each other or picking on the hen(s), they'll have to either be separated or become free range (and take their chances with the coyotes). We only want chickens for eggs, not meat.

I have a line on four month old Black Copper Maran pullets. We're thinking to get three, but then we'll have the issue of integrating the RIRs. Our ultimate goal is to have about 6 hens. That's proving not so easy!