Rescues

[Island Juli]

Got this beautiful bantam rooster today and 8 of his children. Some creep, not the lady who gave them to me, cut off his comb!



Pullets or Cockerels on his children?


Thanks!

 

[QueenMisha]

Only one photo besides the first adult cock (gorgeous bird by the way) is showing, did you mean to upload more?

The one that is showing is a cockerel.

 

[Island Juli]

Thanks, we think he's pretty gorgeous! I've got 4 small silkie-mix hens that I think he would make beautiful babies with.

I only posted the one picture. They all pretty much look like the one in the picture. What makes it a cockerel so I can check the others? I'd hate to think I got all cockerels, but hey, they were free, so no loss other than food until I can sell them.

Thanks again-
Juli

 

[islandgirl82]

The Hackle feathers are those around the neck. On a cockerel/rooster they're long, thin and pointed. They also are rather loose around the neck. On a pullet, they're wider and have rounded tips and aren't loose.

Next are the Saddle feathers. They're also like the hackles; long, thin and pointed. They begin between the wings and drape to either side of the cockerel/rooster.

Sickle feathers are those long tail feathers that curl over on a male.

A cockerel or rooster will also carry himself a little differently than a pullet or hen. More upright. He'll also have longer, thicker legs and as he ages will grow spurs.

Cockerel combs and wattles will grow and redden faster than a pullet as well.