New chicken owner - help is this a hen or a rooster?? approximately 8 weeks or so old

[natpb1991]

"Local Fluff" pictured here is about 8 weeks old, much bigger then all the other chicks we got at the same time, but they are different breeds. She/he also seems to have a little nub where the spurs might be beginning to grow?? I've tried to figure this out with all the information online but can not tell. Her tell feathers are defined as you can see, but I can't figure it out...any help is appreciated!!! Also, if it is a rooster, what are the downsides of owning a rooster with 5 other hens other then the obvious crowing at the crack of dawn. Thank you very much!!

 

[fshinggrl]

You've got a good eye. At 8 weeks, this is most certainly a rooster with that comb and wattles.

All chickens have places on their feet that spurs are.

I'm going to ask one question.. Are you sure of its age? You said it was bigger than the rest when you got them. Could this one be older? If it is indeed 8 weeks, with that comb, it's a cockerel, but if it is older, much older, there is a chance it is a hen.

 

[natpb1991]

Hey Jackie, I got them all at less then a week old and I think that was about 8. 5 weeks ago. They were all the same size until maybe this last month. Thank you for your reply!

 

[Toddrick]

It looks like a New Hampshire. They are supposed to grow fast, but that bird looks way older than 8 weeks to me--from the feathering and size, it looks older than 12 weeks! Wattles however, are still small, and although the feathering is mature, it is not looking like a male. I want to say it is a pullet for sure based on feathering alone, but I suppose that could be wrong, since based on comb alone it could be male.

Maybe such rapid growth is typical in this breed, I dunno, far from an expert. It might make an excellent breeder though, because that is impressive growth!

I'm wondering if someone didn't sell you four week olds and just tell you the wrong age. If they were under a week old they would have had zero feathers, and only fluffy down. Or maybe that is a really small child, and a really small chair creating an optical illusion?

 

[natpb1991]

Ha Thanks! I thought it was a buff orpington but guess I'm all wrong... All six chicks were the same size (buff orpingtons, barred rock and aracauna) They were all the same size, small chicks that fit in

of our kids hands, they had just been delivered to store and thought they were only a week or two old. Downy feathers, slept a lot and seemed to be maybe a week or two old. And...yes...could be optical illusion..my child's head is huge This may be a picture of her early on.


Thank you, I guess I will know for sure in a few weeks right?