my newest flock of chicks are now 7 weeks and 4 days old. I was wanting know if they would have developed some characteristics that could tell me if it is a rooster or a hen? If so what should i look for. When should i expect the roosters to actually crow.
Most roosters start crowing by 8-12 weeks of age. Young roosters tend to have larger combs and wattles, a more gangly appearance, slower growth, and thicker legs than do female chicks of the same age. In some breeds/varieties of chickens, the male are differently colored than the females, too. For example, male Barred rocks will be lighter in color than female barred Rocks, and in the case of Easter Eggers, the females will have a more uniform color, while the males will be splotched with red, white, or other colors.
Can you post pics? Usually the roosters comb will have a bright reddish pink color well before the pullets combs develop color. Pullets dont usually develop significant color in their combs until their hormones come in when they are ready to start laying while cockerels can develop color in their combs at only a few wks of age. It's the most reliable way to sex them IMO
