Rhode Island red rooster

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Pullets

 

[Buckeye2002]

How do and when do you know if you have a rooster. The reason I ask is that I paid extra to the hatchery to ensure I have all females, but oops can happen. Just wanted to know how to tell and at what point I should be able to tell. Thanks

 

[Shezadandy]

How do and when do you know if you have a rooster. The reason I ask is that I paid extra to the hatchery to ensure I have all females, but oops can happen. Just wanted to know how to tell and at what point I should be able to tell. Thanks

Usually around 3 weeks the boys start to be significantly heavier, and often will show the red comb while their sisters are a pale color. Then those legs get a lot thicker, the feet are a lot bigger, and the comb really starts to go. This will depend on the breed- some can be tricky, but in my flock its always the feet/legs that are the giveaway.