New Hampshire Red roo?

[KristenM79]

I was pretty confident I had all females until I moved them outdoors last week and one of my 8 week old New Hampshire Reds, who had always been larger than the others, started to show some signs of being domineering over the others. She/he chest bumps the others and struts around, often picking the highest tree stump to stand on. Then I noticed the comb is much bigger than the others and the tail feathers have a sight curve.

Any guesses as to whether I need to change the name from Grace?

 

[Egghead_Jr]

For edification purpose- the breed is called New Hampshire. Their origin was from selective breeding of Rhode Island Reds but they don't retain the "Red" in name.

 

[alexa009]

Yes, I think sassysarah is right. It is a red star, it looks very similar to mine. If it a red star then definitely a pullet. With red stars females and males are totally different colors. Here is a red star hen and rooster

for example.

 

[KristenM79]

Well now I feel silly and yet, vindicated! When I picked up the chicks I thought he had mixed up the NHRs and the Golden Comets, but he insisted they were the reverse. As I've watched them grow I was more confused! I have 4 Golden Comets and 3 New Hampshire Reds, not the reverse! Thanks for clarifying, I'm clearly a newbie at this, but adore my girls!!

 

[alexa009]

Actually, I might say pullet

 

[sassysarah]

First of all that is a Red Star, which would mean definitely a pullet! If it was a rooster it would be mostly all white now, and yellow when a chick. New Hampshire Reds have black on the tips of their tails.

 

[sassysarah]

Oh I forgot to mention she is simply BEAUTIFUL!

 

[sassysarah]

Good example Alexa!

 

[alexa009]

With that big comb, pointy feathers and thick legs, I will have to say rooster.

 

[alexa009]

I would still keep it though. Chances are it still could be a pullet. New hampshire reds do get big combs. Not to mention their more aggressive than other breeds and try to be dominant at an early age.