Is this a hen or a roo?

[JarridM]

This is my 1 and 1/2 month old Rhode Island Red chick, do you think you could tell what it is, or maybe tell me how to figure it out? Thanks!

 

[donrae]

I'm thinking you meant 1 1/2 months old? That is a handsome young rooster. You can tell by the size and color of the comb, a female won't have as big or red a comb at this age. Those legs are also quite thick, hens usually have thinner, more delicate legs.

 

[JarridM]

Well, I was thinking the same thing to tell you the truth, but I know that Rhode Island Red hens get large combs and waddles, so I've been kind of confused on whether or not it was a boy or girl. And yea it's 1 1/2 months old. Do you think that it's a rooster forsure?

 

[donrae]

100%

 

[JarridM]

Darn! I have 8 hens and a Maran rooster already. Do you think I should get rid of the Rhode Island Red?

 

[aoxa]

That is definitely a rooster.

 

[jerseygirl1]

I have RIR hens that have combs that big, but the legs are really thick - I say rooster

 

[ChickenPalz]

Yep that looks like a roosorry but there is a trick when they are really young on the top of there heads there should be a black stripe if female and no stripe male works 100%

 

[SD Bird Lady]

Darn! I have 8 hens and a Maran rooster already. Do you think I should get rid of the Rhode Island Red?

That is something you will have to decide. If you are completely against butchering than I would suggest trying to find a new home now, b/c it will probably take that long to get him gone before he becomes a nusiance. Rehoming to someone for butcher is also an optioin. People who butcher will see him as a free/reduced price meal.

 

[JarridM]

Well I wouldn't mind butchering it, however I don't want to have to wait until its gets older. I guess I will jus have to wait haha. Do you think he will fight with my other rooster?