I really hope these barred rocks are girls

[kraftykrow]

New here and new to chickens. I introduced myself in the other thread

So I'm worried we might have some gender problems with the 3 barred rocks I got that were supposed to be all female. The two older ones are between 6-7 weeks and about to move outside today or tomorrow. However, I'm nervous they could be boys, but still think they are girls.

About 3 weeks ago we got 3 barred rock chicks around 3-4 weeks old from a local breeder. I'm inexperienced but after 2 weeks I could tell one was almost 100% rooster. He was lighter and bigger than the other two and his crown was already bigger and redder than the other two. He was more skittish as well. So we contacted the person and they gave us a new chicken. It is against more city code to own roosters.

I'm really concerned about the other two now because I don't want to get in trouble. My neighbors are peering at my new hen house and they aren't too fond that they found out I owned more land than they thought and built a fence around my property. I'm worried if one of them ends up crowing it will be trouble.

The little one is still a toss up, but looking at the two older ones, they're crowns are coming in earlier than I though (although not nearly as much as the boy), but they are darker, have some black on their feet. I'm hoping for good news. Sorry for the long post. I appreciate any help.

Rikki

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I'm sorry to say, but I think there are three cockerels pictured. The obvious two with the combs that are already pinkening up, and the other. The color of the barring is just as light as the other two. Maybe he'll surprise and is a female, but I don't think so.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

They are beautiful! I am new to chickens too and currently only have one barred rock baby, but she is young. I'm going to guess so please don't take my reply seriously, lol. I see two Cockerels and one pullet.

 

[danceswithronin]

I'm sorry to say, but I think there are three cockerels pictured. The obvious two with the combs that are already pinkening up, and the other. The color of the barring is just as light as the other two. Maybe he'll surprise and is a female, but I don't think so.

I would like to say I think the one in the very back is a pullet, but I agree about the barring, it is very distinct for a female BR.

 

[MotherHen75]

Welcome to BYC! Sorry to say i think on the last picture those two on the left are boys

The one on the right looks like a girl though. You can kinda tell, redder combs are a boys thing, and females usually pop out feathers faster then boys. How they hold themselves, roos tend to be more upright while hens more evened out. Though i have a hen that stands like a roo so it’s not full proof.

 

[kraftykrow]

I'm sorry to say, but I think there are three cockerels pictured. The obvious two with the combs that are already pinkening up, and the other. The color of the barring is just as light as the other two. Maybe he'll surprise and is a female, but I don't think so.

The one that was for sure a male isn't pictured, I never got a picture of him and he's already gone. He was much lighter and had a red comb a week before theirs and the comb was twice their size. I'm gonna be so frustrated if those people managed to give me 4 roosters when I asked for hens. I get it can be hard to tell, but 4 out of 4 when they've been doing this for years :/. I'm getting attached to them.

 

[kraftykrow]

I would like to say I think the one in the very back is a pullet, but I agree about the barring, it is very distinct for a female BR.

Yeah? she the one that is 2 weeks younger. I'm hoping at least 2 are female.

 

[kraftykrow]

How old do females usually start getting combs? I was hoping 6 to 7 weeks lol. Very worried I'm going to spend months of effort getting close to these guys and then by the time I realize it will be harder to get new chicks. I don't know what to do.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

How old do females usually start getting combs? I was hoping 6 to 7 weeks lol. Very worried I'm going to spend months of effort getting close to these guys and then by the time I realize it will be harder to get new chicks. I don't know what to do.

Their combs don't turn red until about 18 weeks.... Here's my BR when she was 8 weeks. Still not much of a comb.

 

[Acre4Me]

Sorry to say looks like some males. I've got barred rocks - but all girls, so I am not as skilled at determining BR gender, but I do know the barring does vary between males and females.

If you end up with males, and don't want to go through this again - just purchase started pullets. Yes, a bit pricier but you are not waiting 4-6 months for eggs nor dealing with fragile chicks. They are guaranteed female! So, here is Meyer hatchery started pullet page - note the many breeds available:

And, you can just get an assortment, which may be cheaper overall if you don't care too much about a specific breed. Note the price is $12.24 per bird (but they hatched and fed them for 20-24 weeks), which seems pretty reasonable. Shipping costs?

Meyer is only one of several large hatcheries - and other hatcheries offer started pullets. Maybe you have one within driving distance and can pick some started pullets up, rather than getting them shipped.

Good Luck!