New to backyard chickens

[CBGraphics]

I’m hoping someone can help me identify the sex of one of my chickens. My Orpington was said to be a hen but now he or she is crowing in the morning. Is it normal for a hen to crow if you don’t have a rooster?

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC - it's a cockerel.

 

[CBGraphics]

Please explain

 

[rosemarythyme]

Cockerel is male chicken under 1 yr old. I admit I have a hard time sexing Orps so not sure myself if that's a boy or girl.

 

[CBGraphics]

Cockerel is male chicken under 1 yr old. I admit I have a hard time sexing Orps so not sure myself if that's a boy or girl.

Thank you
Have you ever used a no crow collar?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thank you
Have you ever used a no crow collar?

Nope. I choose to not keep males so we cull them or donate them for dinner.

 

[CBGraphics]

Nope. I choose to not keep males so we cull them or donate them for dinner.

I’m hoping it’s a hen. I live in city limits and not allowed to have a rooster. I can’t wait to find some land in the country. Thanks again

 

[aart]

but now he or she is crowing in the morning

If it crows.....

How old is it?
Can be hard to tell at 3 months, saddle and hackle feather are quite out yet.
Easy to tell at 4-6 weeks when any real red combs and wattles tell the tale on the males.


FYI.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.