Roo or pullet (buff orpington)?

[gingerkid]

Alright, so I have a follow-up question that I'll post elsewhere in the forum if I need to.

I have a friend's family member that might take the boy off my hands - she has 3 or 4 hens and no roos. What would be the best age to introduce them? Would it work, or does it depend on how old the hens are?

Or do you know if it would be feasible to try to find a local place to process it? I'll have to do a bit of research to see if there are any places around here, but it seems like it might be expensive to just do one bird. Processing ourselves isn't going to happen.

I need to figure out the best way to get him off my hands when he starts making too much noise.

You guys are awesome! Thanks for confirming my gender assumptions.

 

[gryeyes]

They can take him around 12 weeks of age. He won't get any respect from the gals for a while, though. (They should segregate him in an area where they can all see each other for a week or two, then let him in with the ladies. By then he won't be a "stranger" and he should be able to hold his own until he can prove he's man enough for 'em.)

 

[kkowa]

it's probly a roo but what i have heard is that if u put your chicks on a kitchin floor and drop a book onto the ground 95% of the time the pullets will scater away and the roo will look up and not move a hair. it might not work but its worth a try. good luck!

 

[gingerkid]

I decided I should add an update to this in case anyone sees the forum post in the future. The suspected roo ended up being a roo (he started crowing at about 9 weeks old - it was too cute!) and he is now at my friend's aunt's house where is living happily with 2 or 3 other hens. Thanks everyone for your feedback so I was able to find him a new home shortly after he started crowing.

 

[Snooglerat]

Yay! Glad he found a good home and some girls!