I think this Barred Rock chick is a cockrel,any opinions?

[Mulegirl]

Was supposed to be in the "pullet" pen at Rural King,but we all know how that goes. I'm thinking it's a cockrel,which makes me a little sad...this one's my buddy!

 

[lazy gardener]

Head spot says cockerel. Feet say this is a poor representative of the breed! More pics when the chick is feathered out?

 

[Roosters110]

Why does the headspot matter?

Also what makes mule girl think it’s a rooster?

 

[Mulegirl]

Well he is from Rural King,so not going to get top quality.

ETA:yes,will get more pictures when it feathers out

 

[sylviethecochin]

Those white wing tips say rooster to me also.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Why does the headspot matter?

Also what makes mule girl think it’s a rooster?

Barring is a sexlinked trait. Pure barred males carry two copies on two male chromosomes (WW), but females can only carry one copy because they only carry one male chromosome (WZ).

Male headspots are messier and less defined because the chick has two copies of the barring gene that causes the headspot. The female chick only has once copy and so the headspot is more small and defined.

Hope that helps!

EDT: Also, feet tend to be darker on female BR chicks. I think this has something to do with the barring gene, but I'm not certain.

 

[Roosters110]

Thanks a lot I remember coming across something like this but couldn’t remember so had to ask again

 

[Frazzemrat1]

agree, that could be a young cockerel. Keep an eye on it and it should tell you soon enough with its coloring.

 

[Mulegirl]

Im just so lost if its a pullet or a cockrel. Either way its a sweetie! (Not getting any pink area for wattles,the other one is?)

 

[BlackIce]

The one above is a Hen

The chick you origionally posted is most likely a cockerel. he seems to have lighter feet, the spot says he is a cockerel, and The tips of the wings are white so my guess is cockerel.