How to tell if they are roosters??

[JPichler]

I'm new to this.....
I have a flock of ten (2 SLW, 5 BO, 2 BA, and 1 EE) that are about to turn 20 weeks and a flock of four (RIR) that are about to be 17 weeks. So far I have seen no obvious signs that I have any roosters in the bunch (ie. crowing). I only have one BO laying and two others squatting (SLW and EE.) So my question is, at what age will I be able to tell if any are roosters? What would I specifically look for at the age of 20 and 17 weeks?
Thanks for your help.
Julie P

 

[chicmom]

Some signs of a rooster are, naturally crowing, and pointy hackle (neck) feathers, and longer saddle feathers (on the back, near the base of the tail). Roosters often have thicker, more muscular looking legs too. Roosters also have larger combs and waddles too, usually. And of course those beautiful tail feathers...

I hope this helps,
Sharon

 

[MommaOrp]

Huge comb!! chunky legs, pointy neck feathers etc.....

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

The easiest way for me to tell is the saddle feathers, & tail. I watch for the top two tail feathers start to outgrow & swoop down towards the ground. The saddle feathers will start to appear. The hackle feathers won't blend in with the body feathers like a hens. Here's an overexaggerated version of saddle & tail feathers.

 

[theoldchick]

The big guy is a rooster. The little gal is the pullet.

 

[JPichler]

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Are those signs that start to become obvious at 17-20 weeks or perhaps earlier....or later?

 

[JPichler]

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Are these two chickens the same age?

 

[colebarnhart]

Sounds like you have all hens. I think you would know by now and notice different behavior and looks at their present age.

 

[theoldchick]

Yes they are the same age.





Some pullets can grow impressive combs and wattles when getting ready to lay

Pullet:

Cockerel- look at the tail starting to grow out.

 

[JPichler]

Thank you for your help. The pictures are very helpful. None of my girls are growing longer tail feathers like the Cockerel pictures submitted.
I ordered all hens, but I'm a little surprised that I did not mistakenly get at least one boy, which seems to happen frequently.
Anyway....happy to have hens.

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