I have 5 week old chicks that are all supposed to be pullets from a hatchery. One in particular seems different and I believe it may be a rooster. It is a Rhode Island Blue (RIRxAustralorp). I have another Rhode Island Blue that seems more like a hen.
My question is if there is any benefit of keeping the rooster.
I would separate him and the Rhode Island Blue hen and let them hatch out their eggs. Would their chicks also be Rhode Island Blues? Or does the cross only work in the first generation? If the chicks would just be considered Backyard Mix, I don't see any reason to go through the trouble of keeping them separate. I would instead sell the rooster when he is a bit older and I am 100% sure he is a rooster.
Thanks for your help!
My question is if there is any benefit of keeping the rooster.
I would separate him and the Rhode Island Blue hen and let them hatch out their eggs. Would their chicks also be Rhode Island Blues? Or does the cross only work in the first generation? If the chicks would just be considered Backyard Mix, I don't see any reason to go through the trouble of keeping them separate. I would instead sell the rooster when he is a bit older and I am 100% sure he is a rooster.
Thanks for your help!
