Rooster question

[JEB NC 10]

First of all, my apologies if I'm posting this in the wrong section. As I'm trying to "manage" my flock, I figured I'd start here.

My question is this - at what age should any roosters I may have start to show signs of spurs?

I had a hen hatch out 8 chicks this past July 3rd/4th. I'm trying to get my flock back down to a more managible size (which for our situation/needs is 6 hens, not the current 12 chickens total we now have). So I've made arrangements for any of the 8 new chicks that turn out to be roos to go live on a friends farm. So, here we are with eight 15-week old chicks that I'd like to start wittling things down a bit.

Thanks.

 

[Evelle]

what kind of chicken is it
fast feather breeds such as leghorns mature faster than a slower one like a barred rock
anywhere between 4 to 6 months id say

 

[superchemicalgirl]

You'll have red wattles, saddle and hackle feathers before any signs of spurs. If they're 3 months old we can certainly tell if they're pullets or cockerals for you for sure.

Post their pictures (full body, side) in what breed or gender is this? section.

 

[Judy]

You might find this handy: https://www.backyardchickens.com/LC-anatomy.html

At that age you may be able to figure it out on your own just looking at pics in What Breed or Gender is This? Cockerels should have redder combs and wattles til the pullets near point of lay. It does vary with breed. And hens do get spurs, sometimes.

 

[stcroixusvi]

Quote:
Yes, for sure. Ours are just now getting spurs but we've known they were roosters for a long time. It will depend on breed. Some are sex linked with color being the easy way to tell as chicks. We had a polish chicken that behaved like a rooster from day 1 and now, at 22 weeks, is clearly the head guy in charge. The others took some time to reveal themselves.

 

[cravenchx]

OK, BYC is as addicting as my chickens.
I was just sitting down to ask a ? about spurs....
and here it is.
However, one more question....
Some of my chickens, (I sure hope they are pullets)
look like they may have the bud of a spur. So this
is possible, or am I waiting on eggs that are never
coming? 18 weeks old

 

[sourland]

Both pullets and cockerels will have spur buds.

 

[cravenchx]

Quote:

WHEW!!