Is this a hen or rooster?

[danawhatley90]

We got this chicken when we knew NOTHING about chickens. It was about 17 weeks then. It was sold to us as a RIR hen. I have done some research and can tell it is obviously not a RIR! But is it a hen?

It is now almost 30 weeks. It hasn't started to lay yet, but it does not crow either. We have two rosters that do crow. Our large game roo is all over my other hens but I have never seen him try to mate with this bird. It does have some strangely long feathers on its back compared to my bantam laying hens, but I don't have any like her to compare. Is this just a large hen or is it a roo in hiding? Her comb has grown even larger than this pic and her spur spots are noticeable. She-it is also very dominant!! What do you think?

 

[keesmom]

It is a cockerel. He is likely intimidated by your mature males. He keeps quiet to stay off their radar.

 

[familyfarm1]

It is a cockerel. He is likely intimidated by your mature males. He keeps quiet to stay off their radar.

x2

 

[danawhatley90]

Dang really... I was really hoping for just a slow developing hen.

My husband was adamant it was a hen, but I was beginning to wonder with the visible saddle feathers on its back. It also puffed up at my baby chicks yesterday when they met for the first time and I saw hackle feathers that seemed roo...

What screams roo to you? Don't want to eat a hen by mistake...

 

[Wyandottes7]

Sorry, but that is a cockerel.

 

[Sunshine0235]

The saddle feathers are pointy, which is a roo trait, and the dark red patches on the wing are also roo traits.

 

[K Spot]

The saddle feathers are pointy, which is a roo trait, and the dark red patches on the wing are also roo traits.

x2

 

[danawhatley90]

Thank y'all for all of your help! I guess now we just need to decide if we eat him or the game Roo. Our other male is a precious bantam and he is a keeper! The game roo has spurred me twice and so he may be the one to go... The red is very friendly even though he isn't a RIR we might make him a keeper too. That way I won't have to burst my hubby's bubble and he will see for himself when he crows for the first time!

 

[BantamLover21]

Cockerel.

 

[donrae]

Agree he's a cockerel, but I'd think he's a bit younger than 30 weeks. Do you have any pics of when you got him?

As far as breed, good ol barnyard mix is as good as any. He could be a second generation red sex link, with the white in his tail, so therefore might throw higher production pullets if you're interested in breeding.