Lavender cuckoo Orpington

[Toosecat1]

Hello everyone I would really appreciate your opinions. I am from the UK and have owned 4x different coloured Orpington's since last summer, a month ago we bought 9 more (Age 9 weeks) I was assured they were all pullets, When I collected them the lavender cuckoo had no feathers on her back so the tail feathers were sticking up, over the past month the feathers have been coming through but i am sure she is really a he. Very tall compared to the rest, comb to big for her age. I have contacted the breeder and she is happy to swap but she is still swaying towards her being a hen. I would really appreciate your options.

 

[3KillerBs]

It can be hard to see the hackles and saddles on some colors. Put your hand or a piece of paper under them so as to get a good look at their true shape.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Cockerel and looks white not lavender

 

[Painted Calls]

Cockerel.

Edit to add: I can see the lavender barring.

 

[Painted Calls]

Also, welcome to BYC!

 

[Toosecat1]

Thank you for taking your time to reply, now I am in a predicament. I dont want to breed, I don’t want to be woken up at silly times of the morning and I don’t know if I can eat fertile eggs. Then I look at him with his friends all happy and feel really bad. It’s a 200 mile round trip to take him back and the UK petrol prices are ridiculous at the minute (it will cost me £90 to take back a £15 bird) decisions descisions.

 

[JedJackson]

Thank you for taking your time to reply, now I am in a predicament. I dont want to breed, I don’t want to be woken up at silly times of the morning and I don’t know if I can eat fertile eggs. Then I look at him with his friends all happy and feel really bad. It’s a 200 mile round trip to take him back and the UK petrol prices are ridiculous at the minute (it will cost me £90 to take back a £15 bird) decisions descisions.

I would look for a happy home for him nearby. He can still live a good life without waking you up or making your eggs fertile. I don't think it is worthwhile to spend 6 times the bird's value to get a new one.

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

Thank you for taking your time to reply, now I am in a predicament. I dont want to breed, I don’t want to be woken up at silly times of the morning and I don’t know if I can eat fertile eggs. Then I look at him with his friends all happy and feel really bad. It’s a 200 mile round trip to take him back and the UK petrol prices are ridiculous at the minute (it will cost me £90 to take back a £15 bird) decisions descisions.

I thought the same until I actually got a rooster, now I wouldn't have a flock without one! They not only protect, they also keep hens from fighting each other. Fertilized eggs gagged me, until I realized how easy it was to pick off that tiny white bullseye! It's ultimately your decision, I just wanted to put in a vote for keeping Mr Doodle!

 

[Toosecat1]

I thought the same until I actually got a rooster, now I wouldn't have a flock without one! They not only protect, they also keep hens from fighting each other. Fertilized eggs gagged me, until I realized how easy it was to pick off that tiny white bullseye! It's ultimately your decision, I just wanted to put in a vote for keeping Mr Doodle!

Thanks for your reply, I know the best decision would be to take him back but I am not sure I can. He seems such a gentle character so far the kids have renamed him from Dorothy to Edmond we have only had chickens since last August but they are very much part of the family. I am still learning about them, this site has been invaluable. It’s good to have your input on keeping him.

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

My bad, "Mr Edmund"! This site is amazing, feel free to reach out! And welcome