Pullet Police?!

[rIrs roost]

Grrrr I am very disappointed that I was led astray in my research >:-(

Now you may not have trouble at all. They're known as an aggressive breed but I have had some that are well behaved then others. I wouldn't worry to much yet. I love RIR. And if you're in the sticks, they will do their darndest to take care of the flock.

 

[rIrs roost]

Oh, forgot to say that when I first bought mine at tsc, they told me that it was a docile breed. You're not the only one that has been lead astray by your research. Most of us have. The people on this site are great though. I've learned a lot from them. I'm no pro by no means though lol.

 

[newlyaddicted2chickens]

As I said, I don't have a choice now lol I did do lots of research but I guess I wasn't looking in the right places. I have found that so many of my questions have many very different answers depending on who you ask or where you look. For example DE.... some wouldn't let it within a mile of their birds and some swear by it (personally I worry about their little bird lungs and use herbs instead for bug prevention).

We will do our best to keep them happy and friendly, and knowing who is boss!

Appreciate everyone's input! Any opinions on the Australorp? That one seems like it must be male visually, but no bad behaviors like the one RIR...

 

[Lady of McCamley]

At 18 weeks, I will tentatively say they are all female...likely...as I don't see any saddle feathers.

Your RIR in question has quite a bit of comb and wattles, which may prove it is a he and not a she. Saddle feathers can take up to 5 to 6 months to develop.

Australorps are more docile than RIR, so they won't be your issue.

There are some good threads on BYC on how to tame a rooster....but please, if this animal becomes aggressive, even with your policy, know that an aggressive rooster spur can blind someone or cause deep gashes requiring emergency room treatment. It isn't worth that.

For those...culling is the only safe option.

But you've got some great advice. Treat this animal with respect but proper pecking order (with you seen as the head of the flock at all times around all birds), and it could turn out to be an awesome protector and alerter in the flock.

I wish you the best.
LofMc

 

[Bluechick2u]

As I said, I don't have a choice now lol I did do lots of research but I guess I wasn't looking in the right places. I have found that so many of my questions have many very different answers depending on who you ask or where you look. For example DE.... some wouldn't let it within a mile of their birds and some swear by it (personally I worry about their little bird lungs and use herbs instead for bug prevention).

We will do our best to keep them happy and friendly, and knowing who is boss!

Appreciate everyone's input! Any opinions on the Australorp? That one seems like it must be male visually, but no bad behaviors like the one RIR...

The body looks very hen shaped, but hard to see the feathers from the pic, can you try another photo in the light, of neck feathers and back/tail feathers? (Saddle, hackle feathers)

 

[Lady of McCamley]

They are all 18 weeks old, so not laying yet.

With that much combs...they should be laying. Look for hidden eggs. You've got really red, developed combs. Those breeds tend to mature quicker, so I'm expecting pullets at point of lay.

Otherwise....sadly...you may have about 2 to 3 roosters.

LofMc

 

[newlyaddicted2chickens]

The pics are poor because despite being sunny all morning it started downpouring when I went to take photos, so they were all inside the coop without much natural lighting. Weather in Maine this summer has been terrible. Will try later when I have help to hold the birds.

 

[newlyaddicted2chickens]

No hidden eggs

 

[rIrs roost]

The body looks very hen shaped, but hard to see the feathers from the pic, can you try another photo in the light, of neck feathers and back/tail feathers? (Saddle, hackle feathers)

I'd like to see a good shot of the tail from the side and others. If you see any green trying to come through the tail it's a roo. If not, hen. In my experience anyway.

 

[JaeG]

I have an Orpington girl with legs like tree trunks. I noticed them the day I brought them home, freshly hatched. So don't let that worry you. One way to tell if your RIR is going to turn out to be a cockerel is the tail feathers. They grow beautiful green tail feathers.