I'm soo confused - or my chicken is - help - Australorp hen or roo

[Pele]

Quote:
I didn't know this but, do hens not have shiny feathers? Learning all the time

This is actually a more complicated question than you'd think. The general answer is yes, BUT be very very careful applying this to black birds. Black breeds, like Australops, have a kind of oil sheen to them, even the hens.

A better thing to look for is that beautiful fall of feathers flopping to the side of the tail feathers. That is the beginning of the rooster's saddle. Also, really early redness in the comb and wattles is another good sign. Pullets do not redden up like that until they are close to laying eggs.

Hope that helps a bit! Sexing can be confusing!

 

[JodyJo]

My roo:

my younger pullet: at 10 weeks

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Quote:
I didn't know this but, do hens not have shiny feathers? Learning all the time

This is actually a more complicated question than you'd think. The general answer is yes, BUT be very very careful applying this to black birds. Black breeds, like Australops, have a kind of oil sheen to them, even the hens.

A better thing to look for is that beautiful fall of feathers flopping to the side of the tail feathers. That is the beginning of the rooster's saddle. Also, really early redness in the comb and wattles is another good sign. Pullets do not redden up like that until they are close to laying eggs.

Hope that helps a bit! Sexing can be confusing!

That's a great explanation.

 

[Cowgirl71]

Rooster.

 

[Tikichicken]

Quote:
Yeah, that's the same Mary Andy. I was afraid I was hijacking the other post so I started a new one.
I think you guys are right about it being a roo. The morining err errr is becoming more of a cocka doodle do. Dang

I'm afraid I'll have to find him a new home. The neighbors aren't gonna like the morning alarm clock. I did put the shutters on the gable vent windows to keep it darker longer in the hen house. That did delay wake up from 5:30 am to 7am. Still, I don't think I can keep him.

I was told he was an Australorp- and a pullet when I got him. From what I've read, that breed can be tricky to sex. I didn't think much of the quick growth, since that is one of their traits. I also thought the comb and wattles turning red recently meant it was almost time to start laying since he's about 19-20weeks...

Anyone in San Diego want a sweet baby boy? I'd like to find him a home as a pet... ...feel I owe it to him.

 

[featherz]

My australorp girl is 9 months old and has less wattle than that

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