Rooster and Hen.

[chickenboy190]

I just wanted to know when the roosters will start crowing and any other signs that will show that it is a roo. I also wanted to know when pullets start laying eggs and signs that it is a hen . Thanks

 

[donrae]

If you're not sure of the gender of your birds we have a great section called "What breed or gender", if you can get a good profile picture of your bird and tell us how old we can usually tell you what gender it is.

Pullets start laying at an average of 6 months, this of course varies by breed and each individual bird. Roosters have been known to crow as early as a month old, usually will crow by 6 months. Like the pullets, this can vary by breed, some breeds mature slower.

Roosters get large, red combs earlier than hens, and long, pointy feathers from the neck (hackle feathers) and in front of the tail (saddle feathers). Some breeds you can tell by color, roosters are flashier colored to draw attention, while hens are drab, smooth colored to blend in on a nest.

Spurs aren't a good way to tell gender. Some hens grow wicked spurs, some roosters don't get them until almost a year old.

 

[chickenboy190]

Thanks.