Ruby or Reuben? Rhode Island Red, 5.5 weeks old, can't tell if it's a pullet....

[DragonflyAcres]

This chick was hatched by one of my hens 5 1/2 weeks ago. I feel like the comb on Ruby/Reuben is larger and pinker than my older RIR pullet was at 5 1/2 weeks. But there are no wattles. Its posture is usually very low to the ground, very skittish and shy. I had to make an alarm call to get the upright stance and get her/him to hold still briefly for a snapshot. Will be 6 weeks on Thursday.

 

[Jener8or]

I'm thinking Cockerel.

 

[HorseGirlAbby]

Looks like a pullet for now, she’s got a small pale comb.

 

[SilverBirds]

I'd say pullet.

 

[DragonflyAcres]

Do the cockerels usually have some wattle development by 5-6 weeks?

 

[Muser]

This was my 5 week old Rooster from last year for comparison.

 

[Muser]

My lads got a higher and redder comb so I think yours may be a pullet

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

This chick was hatched by one of my hens 5 1/2 weeks ago.

That looks like a pullet! My favorite flock member is a Rhode Island Red Bantam hen named Ruby. I love her and I find it cool that you will name yours Ruby as well!

But there are no wattles.

She does have wattles, they are just very tiny, which is one indicator of being a pullet. A cockerel's is supposed to be much larger at this age.

Its posture is usually very low to the ground,

Being "low to the ground" is the typical posture for a Rhode Island Red. They are dual-purpose and therefore a bit on the fat body type side.

very skittish and shy.

General personality is not an indicator of sex. Both cockerels and pullets can be skittish and shy. Both cockerels and pullets can be friendly and calm. I have had both－and still do, as Ruby's son is very friendly to humans (which I am thankful for).

 

[DragonflyAcres]

This was my 5 week old Rooster from last year for comparison.View attachment 3935122

For sure.... if Ruby/Reuben looked like that, I would not be asking for opinions, as I would be certain it was a boy! It seems some of them are obvious much earlier than others.

 

[DragonflyAcres]

General personality is not an indicator of sex. Both cockerels and pullets can be skittish and shy. Both cockerels and pullets can be friendly and calm. I have had both－and still do, as Ruby's son is very friendly to humans (which I am thankful for).

I know what you mean.... I have another RIR pullet who is 11 weeks old, and a total boss lady. She is smart and sassy, and the obvious leader of her "sub-flock". Not shy at all! This chick is the opposite. Quite shy and seems to be the last in the group to figure things out. I am definitely leaning "pullet" but, I just don't feel 100% sure because the comb is larger than I expected for a pullet, but still smaller than I would expect for a cockerel. It seems most people here also think this kiddo is most likely a "Ruby"! And yes, it's a good name for a RIR!