Roo or Hen?

[countrychick80]

hello
I am still new to being a Chicken mom. I am learning and we are trying out chickens for the 2nd time. They are 4 weeks old. We were told that they are a Rhode Island Red breed.
Unfortunately, we are still within city limits. So, it is helpful to find out the gender of the birds as soon as we can, since my 10 year old and 8 year old daughters are already warming up and loving these little ones. I just hate the sad faces if we have to say goodbye because she was a HE! lol!
The feed store only guaranteed sexing accuracy at 80%. So we really want to get lucky with 3 hens and hopefully get eggs by spring!! lol. Anyways, you all seem to have your ways of telling and clues to look for. So I thought I would get your opinions!! So what do you think? Roosters or Hens. (fingers crossed) THANKS

CHICKEN #1

CHICKEN #2


CHICKEN #3,

 

[Anndan]

They look like pullets so far to me, if you start seeing redness in the comb it might be a cockerel. Good luck!

 

[countrychick80]

oh I hope so! !
Are there any other indicators I should look for that would point to roosters?



thanks

 

[Toddrick]

#2 looks like it's getting ready to "turn" to me. I could be wrong because it is still a couple weeks early, and the comb is not reddening yet, but it looks large for a pullet of that age. Give it a week or two and you'll know for sure.
Edit- I meant #3 (not sure if OP added another pic after I posted this or if I thought the labels were above pics instead of below)

 

[holm25]

All look like pullets still!! #2 might change. Could u post pics in a week?? By then we should be able to tell.

 

[countrychick80]

Thank you for your input. I will post again in a week or two. We will see.......

 

[gvalencia]

Following this post as I have a hard time seeing the difference

 

[Toddrick]

Following this post as I have a hard time seeing the difference

My bad, I meant #3 looked suspicious. Look at the comb, it is visibly larger in the last pic. Cockerels, especially single combed, fast maturing breeds, like these Production Reds, will grow their combs and wattles at least a month or two before the pullets do. The tell tale sign is when it starts turning pink/red at the base of the comb. Even if a pullet has a slightly larger comb, it usually will not start turning red until months down the road, whereas the male combs will get redder daily once you notice the pink at the base.

Look at my avatar. That is a Production Red cockerel at about 8wks (I think). Notice how tall and pink the comb is. Notice how wattles are appearing under beak.

 

[countrychick80]

Yeah. I am suspicious to #3 as well. That is the one I mentioned being slightly larger in size, a little sweeter to me and yes the comb is slightly larger than the other 2. But the comb is still quite yellow and I don't see any signs of a waddle yet. So I will keep a eye on them as you said over the next few weeks. Thank you for your comparison using your avatar and your descriptions. Much appreciated!