Rooster or Hen?

[RooseBolton]

Hi all,

This is my 8 week old Rhode Island Red. We are trying to determine if it is a rooster or hen, but we honestly have no idea. Earlier today I could have sworn I heard him caw once, but maybe it was just a strange noise. Thanks for the advice!

Here are the photos:

 

[bwahk]

Id said hen.

 

[Fred's Hens]

That is a cockerel. And.. a production red.

 

[RooseBolton]

How can you tell if it is a cockerel?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Because I breed and raise them. By the hundreds. LOL

Here's two photos of some chicks, roughly the age of your young fella. One photo is filled with cockerels and the other focuses on the pullets. At this age, the cockerels are first to sprout their wattles and red combs, while the pullets do not. Add to that thick legs and tell tale feathers and ta da. LOL

 

[Fred's Hens]

To be sure, there are always those rare exceptions that sort of go against the typical. Keep an eye on it. If the crowing becomes more distinct, saddle feathers form and drape before the tail then you'll know for absolute certainty. There are those very, very rare, 1% pullets that sprout their combs and wattles early as well. But it is better to go with the rule, rather than the exception.

 

[Doug Hodges]

I have an red that I would of swore was a Roo until it started laying.

 

[RooseBolton]

Thanks! Great photos too.