Probable roosters

[plantoneonme]

I picked up 4 Americana straight run chicks and 2 Rhode Island Red pullets about 4 weeks ago from TSC...well this morning I saw one of the Americanas with its neck stretched out and a weak, hoarse little crow coming out. I was really hoping I wouldn't get too many roosters as I live in the city and chickens are not exactly legal. Anyway, I have this one bird and another who like to fight with each other. They jump at each other with their feet like they are trying to grab each other with their talons. There is also one other bird who joins in at times but is not as aggressive. Is there a good chance that all 3 of them are roosters?

Question...if I cannot find someone to give them to, at what age can the little buggers be eaten? I certainly don't want to wait until they are all crowing and waking up the neighbors. They are currently between 4 and 5 weeks old by my best estimate. Kim

 

[hennyannie]

My pullets do the talon thing all the time, so no reason to worry there. Also at that age (4or5 weeks right?) they should be no crowing.

 

[CuriousChicken]

Hens fight also, what you want to look for is one comb and wattle growth. A Roos comb and wattles will grow faster and larger than the hens. After this is the growth of saddle and neck feathers, a roosters will be long and pointed the hens tend to have rounder saddle and ruff feathers, that wont happen until they are at least 4 months old. Most roos don't start crowing until they are 4 or 5 months old. You could try to sex the suspected roosters but I wouldn't advise it, not only are you more likely to get it wrong (I did) but you could also hurt them as it involves squeezing until the vent opens so you can see the genitals.

If all else fails post pics to the 'what gender/breed is this?' thread, you may get some more experienced eyes on it.