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[Akinfamily]

How do you tell the diffrence between a cock and a hen? Also how do you know if the breed you got is the breed you asked for? I do not have any chicks yet, but I do not want to bring home half a dozen chicks and later on find out I got more roosters then I want and that they cant ever reproduce because they are not of the same breed. I am hopeing to get Red Pullets if that helps narrow down the answers. Thank you for your replies

 

[Sphinx]

If you buy your chicks from a hatchery or feed store and they are sexed "pullets", your odds of getting hens are 90%. If you get sex links, your odds are pretty much 100% girls.

As to cross breeding, that happens allllllll the time. There could be trouble if you have a bantam sized roosters and a large fowl hen, or vice versa, but otherwise, they'll reproduce just fine.

 

[PoultryGirly]

Hi and welcome to BYC. I'm glad you're thinking about getting into the fun world of chickens Anyways, you can tell chicks are different breeds when: they are different colors, have different comb types, feather-legged or not, leg color, etc. If you are uncertain of the breed when you get the chicks or one looks different than the others, you can always post a picture of the odd chick here on BYC and I'm sure someone would help you figure out the breed. Chickens do NOT have to be the same breed to reproduce or mate.

Signs of Roosters: Bigger, redder comb; hackle feathers; saddle feathers; thicker legs; crowing; etc.

Signs of Hens: Smaller; smaller combs that aren't as red, lays eggs, more rounded feathers, etc.