Rooster??

[kcruz]

Hi All, we have a three month old hen who has begun to lose feathers. I can't find any sign of disease or parasites, so I'm wondering if maybe one of her 2-month old roomies is a rooster? If you could give me your opinions that would be great!

 

[Aquira]

I don't see any hackle feathers at this point. I'm inclined to say pullet, but someone with more experience might say cockerel.

 

[kcruz]

I don't see any hackle feathers at this point. I'm inclined to say pullet, but someone with more experience might say cockerel.

Thank you!

 

[InterestingChickens]

Are those pictures of all the same bird?

 

[kcruz]

Are those pictures of all the same bird?

Yes

 

[InterestingChickens]

Yes

I'd say pullet then.

 

[tommysgirl]

She may just be molting. Also the bird in the pic looks like a pullet. See how the feathers on the neck are rounded? Roosters have narrower and much pointier feathers on their necks (hackle feathers) They also hav similarly shaped feathers on their backs that droop down by their tails. Those are called saddle feathers. Hope that helps.

 

[InterestingChickens]

She may just be molting. Also the bird in the pic looks like a pullet. See how the feathers on the neck are rounded? Roosters have narrower and much pointier feathers on their necks (hackle feathers) They also hav similarly shaped feathers on their backs that droop down by their tails. Those are called saddle feathers. Hope that helps.

Molting at three months? I suppose she could be losing her chick down still.

 

[kcruz]

She may just be molting. Also the bird in the pic looks like a pullet. See how the feathers on the neck are rounded? Roosters have narrower and much pointier feathers on their necks (hackle feathers) They also hav similarly shaped feathers on their backs that droop down by their tails. Those are called saddle feathers. Hope that helps.

That helps a lot, thank you! I always thought chickens have to be at least 16 months old to molt, but maybe her feather loss is normal part of grown up feathers coming in. I will attach pics of the one that's losing feathers, her name is Peter

 

[kcruz]

I'd say pullet then.

Thanks!