My Delaware....is?

myminicooper

In the Brooder
9 Years
Apr 25, 2010
41
0
22
San Fernando Valley
I have a feeling you will tell me this is a rooster, the last week we have heard crowing in the coop (just one crow, almost like a "let us out"), and when we just let them out this morning we saw the culprit crow once again. She/he had the comb really early, and they are all about 19/20 weeks old right now. This is the most dominant but never attacks anyone, is very sweet, and has usually been the only one that will let me hold or pet. I've only seen it attack a few of the other hens, but now I'm not sure if it was mating or something else. If this is a rooster chances are I'll have to get rid of it, however....if I can convince my husband that it wont cause problems since it doesn't crow (there is a neighbor chicken that we can hear crowing in the mornings, and I do live in the city), and we don't want chicks, I may be able to keep it. So in addition to confirming my fear if anyone with roosters can tell me of any pros or cons to having them that would be much appreciated, please keep in mind I need to convince my husband that this will be a good thing, and no the crowing has not occurred before we wake up, it's always after and right before I usually let them out. Thanks!

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It's a rooster, and he seems like a sweetie. However, he will get louder and will crow more as he matures, especially in answer to the other rooster you hear.
 
Yup, cockerel. Saddle feather are located in front of the tail, and fall to the side of the bird eventually covering the wing tips. Saddle feathers on cockerels/roos are very long (growing several inches), very thin and pointy (often cockerel/roo saddle feathers will remind me of long hair).


If you look at a pullet/hen - at the saddle area - her "saddle feathers" will be fatter, shorter and round on the ends.



Pros for having a good cockerel/roo in your flock:

A male's job is to protect his hens - so he will be more vigilant watching for threats and the girls can spend more time eating/ranging.

He will find the tastiest treats and give them to the girls (this happens as he matures - not right away). He will pick up the treat, drop it, and start calling the girls - who will learn to flock to him at that call.

He will test out nest boxes, making sure they are safe and comfy, calling the girls to lay. He will sing the egg song just as happily as the girls.

My roo protects chicks - I know you do not want any - but this is a plus if you have a good roo. He will let chicks eat around him and snuggle under him when they roost.
 

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