Roo or Hen?

[donrae]

He may not have hackle feathers yet but I'm seeing saddle feathers. Boys.

 

[elabraleon]

Do you see those skinny, pointy feathers draping down on her back? The other roosters have a lot more, but hers are starting to come in... She is a BOY for sure. Those are saddle feathers. Only males have them. I was holding out hope for you, but at this point, theres no denying it. They're all roos. Disappointing, I know... But they are sure handsome

 

[mispollitos]

I'm in butcher shock! My son & I decided that we had the time and we butchered 4 of them this afternoon. They only weighed 30.4-40.3 oz. mostly 2.5 pounds. I was alright if I wouldn't think about it but I realized, I was more emotionally attached than I thought I was. I liked them. It was fun but now remorse is setting in...and yet, there's one more! And it's all alone tonight. Now it's prize is the chance to rule the roost!

So, if I go out hunting for baby chicks, I've learned a ton...I know if they have a spot on their heads, odds are they are black sex link.

 

[elabraleon]

Im sorry...

 

[speckledhen]

So, if I go out hunting for baby chicks, I've learned a ton...I know if they have a spot on their heads, odds are they are black sex link.

Well, no, that's not correct. BOTH sexes of Barred Rocks have head spots, but the male black sexlinks also do. You cannot tell them apart as newly hatched chicks, not till they feather out and you see the barring is all wrong and there is way too much white, or there are solid greenish black tail feathers or rusty color on them.​

 

[spish]

would it be perhaps better to buy 'ready to lay' pullets so you know you are definatly getting ladies this time? saves going through all that heartache again?

 

[cluckcluck42]

I'm sorry you got screwed. I can't believe people do this kind of thing! Wow.

 

[peacockfarmer1]

all roosters