Plymouth Rock Hens or Roos?

[FrozenBlueberry]

Hello, All! First time chicken owner here, and I’m curious to hear what your all’s thoughts are on these chicks. I know if I wait a few more weeks it will be a lot clearer, but I thought it would be fun to see what the current guesses would be. I have three barred rock chicks, and they’re almost two weeks old. I’m suspicious that I have three roos, but I’m not sure. Here they are:

Chick 1.

Chick 2.

Chick 3.

My current guess is that Chick 1 is a roo due to its larger size and lighter coloring, but the other two I’m not sure. Thank you to anyone who responds! I’d love to hear any tips or advice you may have as well.

 

[HowIsItDone]

Yes, they are roos.
The white spot on the head is a dead giveaway.

 

[HowIsItDone]

Are these the three hens you hoped to get started with?

 

[FrozenBlueberry]

Yes, they are roos.
The white spot on the head is a dead giveaway.

Thank you! That was my suspicion. I’m still learning, but do pullets not also have a white spot on their head? To your question about starting my flock with just these, no, I have a few other lavender orpington chicks that I’m hoping are ladies. Thankfully we don’t live in an area where roosters are not allowed, so I’m planning on keeping at least one. The others will either be sold, given away, or dinner.

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

Yes, they are roos.
The white spot on the head is a dead giveaway.

I would absolutely not say that. Only specific Barred Rock lines can be head-spot sexed

 

[FrozenBlueberry]

I would absolutely not say that. Only specific Barred Rock lines can be head-spot sexed

That’s good to know! These are from a local couple, so I’m not sure how precise their breeding program is. I’m hoping that because of that there’s still a chance some could be pullets!

 

[JedJackson]

I agree with Rhodebar Lover. I think it is much too early to say the gender of these chicks. The head spot thing is unreliable except in certain strains of rocks. The barring on the last two chicks is unusual, but they are overall dark, so I think they could be pullets.

 

[FrozenBlueberry]

I agree with Rhodebar Lover. I think it is much too early to say the gender of these chicks. The head spot thing is unreliable except in certain strains of rocks. The barring on the last two chicks is unusual, but they are overall dark, so I think they could be pullets.

Thank you! I’ll probably post some update pictures in a couple weeks to see how things are coming along.

 

[Klutch]

This could help.
https://cs-tf.com/how-to-sex-chickens/

 

[FrozenBlueberry]

This could help.
https://cs-tf.com/how-to-sex-chickens/

Thanks! I’ve seen a few of those methods, but I’ve heard mixed reviews on how accurate they can be depending on the breed. Aside from venting of course, which I am not going to attempt.