Roo or Hen

[pyeager]

First time chick owner. I am trying to figure out if one of them is a rooster. It has always been bigger and bright red comb and larger waddles. I have tired to get pictures to help you decide but don't know if they will be good enough.

 

[junebuggena]

Those feathers near the base of his tail look like male saddle feathers. The pullets have broad, rounded feathers near the base of the tail. Males grow long, thin saddle feathers instead. Also, pullets won't start turning red in the comb until they are close to laying age, usually around 14 to 18 weeks old.

 

[GitaBooks]

Very nice looking chickens!

I think its a rooster. He stands like one and his tail is starting to develop into a roosters tail.

 

[pyeager]

Thanks. I hoped he wasn't but that's they way it goes. When do roosters usually get spurs and start to crowing?

 

[pyeager]

Bummer!!!

 

[GitaBooks]

When they start crowing depends, varying with the individual, though generally around 4-5 months of age. As for growing spurs, it takes over a year to develop good, sharp spurs. They will start developing small, rounded spurs when they are nearing full grown in size.

 

[pyeager]

Thanks. I assume that he would be able to stay with hens but I could be wrong. Eggs will be gathered everyday. I'm sure it depends on his temperment right?

 

[pyeager]

i forgot to mention he has the start of bluish green feathers on his tail. Crossed with something???

 

[GitaBooks]

Roosters raised with hens should do well with them. My rooster is very kind to his hens and we have mutual respect for one another (he doesn't attack me if I let his hens be. Ever since a young age he hasn't tried to attack me. Not even once).
As for the green tail, wyandotte roosters naturally have these. They're very pretty.

 

[pyeager]

He is not aggressive at all. I will do my best to keep them together. The blue/green tail feathers look like they will be very pretty. thanks for reply.