Houdan hen or roo?

[TechyJim]

Hi

This is my first post and only about 8 weeks into my chicken journey. This is Harleen. She(?) is a Mottled Houdan who was supposed to have been sexed prior to purchase. However I fear she may not be all the hatchery believed.

She is now 9-10 weeks old and has started to make what could be described as “proto-crows” early in the morning and in the evening. In the past few days the red pigment is really coming through in the head and I fear I’m seeing the start of a v-shaped comb coming in (which, as I understand it, only the m as let’s have). Maybe it’s to early to tell but it feels more and more like I may have to find a new home for “her”.

Any and all advice most welcome.

Thank you

 

[chickenlittle21]

Welcome to BYC! That looks like a rooster

 

[Gray Farms]

If its just 9-10 weeks I'd say its a cockerel. Hatchery vent sexing is only about 80%-85% accurate.

 

[Pawsitivly]

Looks like a little cockerel too me!! Best of luck!

 

[TechyJim]

Thank you all for the speedy replies. I figured as much. We’ll be sad to see our little Harley go, but city ordinance means no roosters for us. Such a shame as he has such a wonderful temperament.

 

[TechyJim]

If its just 9-10 weeks I'd say its a cockerel. Hatchery vent sexing is only about 80%-85% accurate.

With 5 peepers, that percentage seems about right.