New chicken owner needs help!!

[babsterh]

I am a new chicken owner and need help trying to identify if these are roosters. The first photo is my white leghorn (pullet), is the RIR a rooster? The BR in the next picture I believe is a rooster but am not sure. I raised them from day old chicks and they're about 8 weeks old now. Also, if they're both roosters should I get rid of one of them? I have 6 additional hens that are 6 weeks old, 2 buff rocks, 1 RIR, 1 NJG, 1 NHR. The leghorn is also 8 weeks. I appreciate any advice. Also, the BR is very aggressive towards the new chicks.

 

[sourland]

I believe that both the barred rock and RIR are cockerels. They will mature into good sized roosters, and two will probably be one too many for the number of hens that you have.

 

[babsterh]

Thank so much for your quick response...I was afraid that both were cockerels. I ordered all pullets, this is disappointing. I will most likely trade the BR for another pullet.

 

[donrae]

I second that, they're both roosters. If you're new to chickens, I'd advise getting rid of them and just keeping hens for a while before you move up to a rooster. They're a whole different challenge!

 

[Michael Apple]

Thank so much for your quick response...I was afraid that both were cockerels. I ordered all pullets, this is disappointing. I will most likely trade the BR for another pullet.

Don't be too disappointed. Often you get more cockerels than you want with an order of chicks. If the hatchery or breeder you got them from is a good one, they will make it up by giving you pullets. They may ask for pictures to prove your case, then it should be no problem. I had 7 cockerels out of 14 chicks this year. Luckily I knew someone to take 6 of them. To this day I feel bad saying goodbye, and I was raised around livestock and culling.

 

[Michael Apple]

I second that, they're both roosters. If you're new to chickens, I'd advise getting rid of them and just keeping hens for a while before you move up to a rooster. They're a whole different challenge!

I've always preferred a rooster in the flock. It just isn't the same without them. Good ones look out for the hens and break up fights. I had a rooster survive a bobcat attack when he faced the bobcat head on. It was after one of his hens.

 

[babsterh]

Thanks for your help everyone. I will trade both roos for a hen tonight. I'll just play it safe for now since I'm new to all this. Next year I might add a roo....just wish that I could find a BR pullet locally. Love this website and all of the great people here

Thanks again!