Is Miss Ruby actually a Mr.?

[craftytammie]

This is our first flock, and we bought our pullets at a local farm store. We were only wanting eggs, not to hatch chicks. I was concerned when our Production Red bird grew a comb, but after looking at pics online of hens, I thought we were ok. But the last two mornings, she/he has been making crowing sounds. Is she really a he? How do I tell for sure?

 

[lilliesanchicks]

Looks like a young rooster.
What age?

 

[aoxa]

Any young bird that crows is a cockerel.

Yes, that is indeed a boy.

 

[craftytammie]

I'm not sure how old they were when we got them in May, I am guessing he's about 3 months?

 

[craftytammie]

And I guess my next question is, what do I do now?! lol. I'm quite attached to him in particular, I doubt we'll get rid of him, but is it possible to still have eggs for eating, or are we in for lots of babies? I really need to do some reading on this... We have 9 birds.

 

[lilliesanchicks]

And I guess my next question is, what do I do now?! lol. I'm quite attached to him in particular, I doubt we'll get rid of him, but is it possible to still have eggs for eating, or are we in for lots of babies? I really need to do some reading on this... We have 9 birds.

Even with a rooster you can eat the eggs. Will only have babies if you let a hen stay on eggs when she is broody.
If you don't want chicks take the egg everyday and use them when cooking.

 

[aoxa]

Even with a rooster you can eat the eggs. Will only have babies if you let a hen stay on eggs when she is broody.
If you don't want chicks take the egg everyday and use them when cooking.

Well unless you are in a hot environment that is ideal for incubating eggs. Doubtful though.

Consistent temperatures would be needed.

It takes 24 hours at 100 degrees F for eggs to start developing into chicks. You may not even see development if you cracked an egg open at 24 hours..

So the bottom line is this: Fertile eggs are all the same as infertile eggs until incubated. Unless you collect eggs from under a Broody Hen, or live in a remarkable environment that stays a consistent 100 degrees F for over 24 hours straight, your have nothing to worry about!




Upon opening the eggs: This is the only difference between infertile and fertile. Can you spot the difference?

 

[Mrs Rebecca]

I too received a surprise roo in my very first batch of pullets this year. I was not sure we would keep him until he saved my hens from the neighbor's dog. He is only 5 months old, but takes his job of protecting my 5 girls very seriously. When they are out free ranging, and a hawk flies over, he quickly rounds them all up and puts them in the coop. He also calls them over if he finds a yummy morsel to eat, and lets the girls have their share first. You may find that having a roo to help out with your girls is a good thing.