New chicken owner concerns

[Fields Mountain Farm]

I put some up!

Keeping in mind that I'm learning how to determine roo from hen at earlier ages, and I'm not sure...the comb and wattles make me think roo, I think I see some hackle feathers coming in but it's iffy, and I can't distinguish a saddle, the feathers are rounded like a hen. So, still following...

 

[bobbi-j]

I think you have a little cockerel on your hands. If they are all the same breed, which it looks like they are, the comb and wattles are far more developed than the others. Saddle and hackle feathers come in later, but I don't remember for sure when.

 

[MamaB5272]

I think you have a little cockerel on your hands. If they are all the same breed, which it looks like they are, the comb and wattles are far more developed than the others. Saddle and hackle feathers come in later, but I don't remember for sure when.

Thank you very much.. any advice helps. Do you think there Is anything I can do to help the poor baby

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Make sure they have enough space and roosts. A place he can hide would be good to, extra feed and water stations to insure he can eat and drink, and letting the girls put him in his place will help in raising a gentleman roo instead of a jerk.

 

[MamaB5272]

Make sure they have enough space and roosts. A place he can hide would be good to, extra feed and water stations to insure he can eat and drink, and letting the girls put him in his place will help in raising a gentleman roo instead of a jerk.

Thanks I truly appreciate it!

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Thanks I truly appreciate it!

You're welcome. Pop in often because others will probably have more suggestions as well. And as always,if you have any more questions please feel free to ask.

 

[bobbi-j]

As long as she's not drawing blood, or pinning him down and pecking him without mercy, I'd let them work things out. Chicken society isn't always pretty.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

As long as she's not drawing blood, or pinning him down and pecking him without mercy, I'd let them work things out. Chicken society isn't always pretty.

X2

 

[Reiki Rooster]

I think you have a little cockerel on your hands.

I agree, though it's not a tried and true method, from my experience all of my cockerels have shown their combs and wattles at a very early age. There are those rare occasions when a hen has larger than normal ones, but for the adult hen to be putting this baby in its place versus the others. I'd bet you have a boy on your hands.

 

[aart]

That's a hard age to sex, too soon for saddles and hackles(4-5 months) and they look like they may be a mix of mixed breeds, so hard to compare.

Easier at about 6 weeks, males will have obviously larger and redder combs/wattles.
So if you have pics off all chicks at 6 weeks old, that may give you a better idea.

ETA another thought, tough situation with only one adult bird and her chicks.
Makes it hard for mama to wean chicks off and participate in a larger flock community.
Part of this may be her trying to wean chicks away from her.