RIR pullets or cockerels??

[btdupree]

First time chicken owner & first time posting here! I have 7-8 week old RIRs (hopefully pullets) that I got at TSC in August. I am starting to be unable to tell them apart, but I have noticed their combs are getting much bigger & pinker (on some). Can you help me figure out if any are fellas? thanks! Stressing.......Super new to this & appreciate ANY help here

 

[TxChickieFan]

How many RIRs in total? 8?

Looks like mostly pullets, but I'd keep an eye on the ones in pics 1, 2, and 6 because they seem to have the reddest combs at this point. Nothing definitive yet, though, imo.

 

[JedJackson]

I think they are a bit young to sex properly. I'd wait another 2 or 3 weeks and post again with new pictures. The combs are still small, and the ones with some color there could just be fast maturing.

And don't stress. If you do get males, we can help you find new homes for them if you can't keep them. Most of us have gone through that, and it is something that is just part of the deal when you buy chicks.

 

[BGcoop]

I agree, 1, 2, 6 are suspicious.
And Welcome to BYC!!

 

[btdupree]

I think they are a bit young to sex properly. I'd wait another 2 or 3 weeks and post again with new pictures. The combs are still small, and the ones with some color there could just be fast maturing.

And don't stress. If you do get males, we can help you find new homes for them if you can't keep them. Most of us have gone through that, and it is something that is just part of the deal when you buy chicks.

Yeah, I will definitely need help because the roosters can't stay. I'm really getting attached to them, too! Thanks for the encouragement & help!

 

[TxChickieFan]

Don't stress yet. I think you've probably got at least a couple of pullets, and nothing that just screams cockerel yet. A few more weeks will help a lot with being able to tell (usually, lol).

Welcome to BYC and chicken ownership! Fair warning--they're kind of addictive.

 

[BGcoop]

I love my RIRs. As they grow if you watch them Very closely you will be able to see different changes in them to tell them apart and once they are mature I’ve been able to tell mine apart by comb shape/“wiggle”. An easy and cheap way to differentiate them though is to use different color thin zip ties around their ankles-you just have to watch closely and change them out as their legs get bigger.

 

[featherhead007]

Calm soothing breaths. In your nose, and slowly exhale out your mouth. (Relax and enjoy the moment) Or you can panic if you want!

 

[TxChickieFan]

In my experience, pullets that develop small combs quickly will stall out, and cockerels will keep developing. So a few pics taken today compared to a few more pics taken in a few weeks will give you a better idea of what you have. It's just the waiting that's tough!

 

[btdupree]

Calm soothing breaths. In your nose, and slowly exhale out your mouth. (Relax and enjoy the moment) Or you can panic if you want!

These chickens have been my small bit of zen in this 2020 craziness. I think I'll just live in denial until they get vocal LOL