She's a He, But Not Crowing

[hensnchix]

We've just figured out that our very beloved, cross-beaked, 6-month-old dark brahma hen is actually a cockerel. (It was the combination of no eggs, rather vigorous mounting of one hen, and, finally, looking up pictures on-line...whoopsie! The cockerels look pretty different than the pullets!

)

So here's the question: We're in a suburban area. We've already gotten rid of two cockerels who started crowing REALLY loudly at 16 weeks. This cockerel, named "Buff," doesn't crow and we're totally attached to him (and he to us). Is it possible he'll never crow? And if so, can we just keep him with the three hens? We're fine with fertile eggs...and I know my kids would be heartbroken if we had to get rid of this guy. (Me too.)

Also, he only seems to mount one hen, not the rest of them. Is that normal?

Thanks,
Susan

 

[S n M Poultry]

My partridge cochin roo doesent crow at all and never has and hes already 14 months old. I guess they wont crow ever!

 

[peepkeeper]

Roosters are all different, some never shut up, some hardly make a peep. If you're lucky you can keep him your little secret.

 

[hensnchix]

Of course, now that we're looking at her, I mean him, he's so obviously a rooster it's laughable. So I'll be sure to change my morning greeting, from "Hi there, pretty girl," to "Hey Handsome!"

The kids are now clamoring for homemade chicks in the spring...

Susan