RIR Mommy in Shock!

[valreegrl]

I think I had heart failure and was too busy trying to breathe this morning to take a picture, but will post in Gender this evening. But.....

When I let the "girls" out this morning, a very developed hen came jumping out at me!

Background....I have been away on vacation, and hubby stayed to take care of the chickens. (I know, what a great guy!) So I haven't seen the girls in a week or so.

But this morning, a Rhode Island Red (supposed hen) with a very prominent red comb and wattles jumped out and said, "Look at me!"
She is just under 20 weeks.

My question: Do RIR hen's develop wattles?

My hope is that she developed earlier than her sister but her sister just has a small comb and wattles close to her face. This girl in question has a much larger comb (although it isn't straight up) and her wattles are large enough to flap around!

Maybe post pics of your RIR hens/roosters for comparison?

I swear, this happened over night it seemed. Before I left she looked just like her sister!

 

[Uppity Peon]

Yes, a 20 week old RIR will likely have wattles. Here is one of mine at 18 weeks:

 

[Happy Chooks]

Here's my girl at 20 weeks.

 

[valreegrl]

OMG! That is awesome!
So she is a hen! Yippee!

What threw me off was her sister, who I am assuming is a late developer.

Thanks!

 

[Happy Chooks]

And finally.................................the happy dance.

 

[StacyK]

Quote:
Great shot!! Love it!! I haven't been able to get any good close ups of mine.

My RIRs are 19 weeks and I have one that looks just like this. The other two have smaller combs and wattles, but getting there. Hope eggs soon!!

 

[ducks4you]

Quote:
WOW--B I G P I C!!!!

Made me glad that MY RIR's are little birdies, instead of huge raptors!

 

[TXmom]

Believe me, at 20 weeks, if it was a Roo you would KNOW for sure. They are totally different....HUGE birds with large combs and long flappy wattles and long cuved tail feathers.

 

[Biddylover]

Quote:
This should be titled.... 'I'm watching you...'

 

[valreegrl]

Here she (I am thinking yes? a she?) is with her sister....

And her alone...

Now, is her sister just behind in development? And what about my Delaware hens? Will they also have wattles like her's?