How do I know if and when I have a Rooster?

[powellflock]

We just started our first flock of babies and are super excited but also super worried about getting a rooster. We have two Delawares and two Barred Rocks and two Pekin Ducks... and we can't wait to get them in their coop... We tried putting them all together today after a week and they DID NOT get along so they are in two separate brooders. Hopefully someday they can coexist. The chicks are starting to get their feathers and I was noticing that one of the Barred Rocks is bigger than the others, has different colored feet, and has longer tail feathers. How and when can I tell if I have a rooster? I do not want to make my neighbors angry!

 

[Tala]

Do any of them have red combs on their head? That's the best way to tell.

If you are legal to keep chickens in your area, I wouldn't worry too much about the neighbors. They don't get ANY say in what goes on in my backyard. Just sayin.
Of course, if you are an outlaw, trying to keep them below the radar, then yeah, no roosters for you!!!

 

[Illia]

The different colored feet on the BR is not a sex thing - He may be a different breed. Are the feet pink?

As for telling sexes later on, look for larger, fleshier colored combs, larger legs/feet, a sign of hackle or saddle feathers coming through later on in life, and for me, a really easy thing to do is pick one up, give him some food while he's separate from the others, and see if he makes a quick "chook chook" sound. It is really cute and very distinctive compared to the normal peep peep. This is the cockerel calling his ladies to the food he found so he can share. I usually can spot this behavior at 2 weeks, sometimes less.

Also, if the Barred Rocks are young enough, you can tell them apart with sex by the males having larger spots on their chest.

 

[LeghornLisa]

Honestly, only time will tell. I had 6 in my first flock, the ones I thought were roos were not, it was my two little ones that turned out to be roos. I had 2 of each breed and would follow them daily to see who grew faster, had a bigger comb. Spent a lot of time comparing. I think it's human nature to do that....in the end, they will let you know one way or another, till then just enjoy them they grow way too fast!!

 

[ChickenMama18]

Quote:
That is adoreable...man I'm missing so mucn not have a roo.

But I'll be happy with what I have and not complain. If anyone has the time to find that sound the roo makes to call his girls on you tube or something I'd love to hear it!

 

[Illia]

Quote:
That is adoreable...man I'm missing so mucn not have a roo.

But I'll be happy with what I have and not complain. If anyone has the time to find that sound the roo makes to call his girls on you tube or something I'd love to hear it!

I should.

The first time my pick of the black Ameraucana boys did it, I fell in love! Even an adult roo doing it is SO cute. . . Although nothing beats the trills and coos they make when they're trying to tidy up a nest for their girls.

 

[powellflock]

I guess I just need to stop and enjoy the babies, we are legal so I am not worried about getting in trouble, just worried about complaints... nothing I'm sure a few dozen eggs couldn't cure.

The BR's feet are both pink.. I would post some pics but I'm new to the forums and not quite sure how yet. They are pushing two weeks old now. I may try the food trick to see if I get that cute sound.

 

[patman75]

First...

I would enjoy them at this stage while you can. Let future you deal with any suprise roosters

 

[deerman]

Yes enjoy, you will be able to tell before they crow. most people will be able to tell by 3 months, thats before they crow.

Some of us oldtimers can tell within a few weeks, so you can always post pics later..

 

[Illia]

Quote:
So, you have both yellow and pink footed ones? Because if so, the pink footed ones are actually Cuckoo Marans. They will lay a darker brown egg than the BRs, but no promise as to how dark of egg.