Is our 10 week old runt, a cockerel or pullet?

[Frazzemrat1]

You're right...he is definitely very slow to mature. Here are a few updated pics of him. First pic is of him and his sister. Both 14 weeks. I'm not sure what has caused him to be so delayed in growth but he struggles with balance and eats laying down. But, he is by far, the sweetest cockerel we have

Well, since you have another cockerel, He's probably the dominant one... this will slow the development of other cockerels. Plus you're saying he has other issues, the balance and eating only when laying... which could have slowed his development as well.

 

[Chicalina]

Yep, they are there now!!!

 

[Hippiefrog]

Yep, they are there now!!!

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It was so hard to tell for awhile there because of his developmental delays. He's always been kind of a hot mess with his crazy random feather growth. Lol And with his comb being so small, he definitely had me guessing pullet for quite awhile. We just adore this little guy though, he's one of our keeper cockerels for sure

 

[Hippiefrog]

Old post but I wanted to update anyway on the off chance that it could help someone. Shortly after the last update, I took Lil Bit to the vet. His x ray showed some small tumors. Based on that and his physical symptoms, the vet suspected Mareks. We assumed the worst and prepared to say goodbye. But, he continued to thrive and defy the odds. He lived to be 3 1/2 years old, passing away recently, on Aug 2 and taking a piece of my heart with him. His last year, he lived inside alongside our dog. Most of his days were spent free ranging and lounging outside. He'd come knock on the door with his beak, in the evenings when he was ready to be let in. He'd have snuggle time, get some food and water then he'd put himself to bed in his crate. Mornings, he'd be up standing by the door waiting to be let out. Whenever we had a sick/injured hen inside, he stayed by their side and made sure they were never alone, always doing his best to nurse them back to health. He was truly one of a kind. When he passed, I couldn't bring myself to send him off for a necropsy to confirm Mareks. He belonged in the garden where I buried his hens that didn't survive. I believe the vet was right though. I miss him dearly but am so very thankful we had as much time with him as we did. He turned out to be the most beautiful rooster both inside and out. He will live forever in our hearts