So they were supposed to be Australorps....

[ZombieMadHatter]

I agree that they are almost certainly black sex link cockerels. Sadly you will be getting no eggs from them. TS are notorious for getting their chicks mixed up.

If you decide to get some pullets for eggs, you will need to keep them separate from these guys as that will end up with the pullets being seriously overbred and the boys most likely fighting. Some people do keep their surplus cockerels in a bachelor flock and indeed I did for a year until I realised that I was becoming a slave to them for no return.... Now I process my surplus cockerels and keep that in mind right from them being identified as male so that I do not get attached to them.

It was my first time buying from TS and just glad I brought home 4 and not 8 like I was planning. They have their bachelor pad and I plan on keeping them away from the hens. I have no business breeding chickens especially since I have no clue on what I would be doing. Plus I'd end up keeping every chick that hatched so that would be a problem
Thanks for your input, like I said I had no idea what they were live and learn. I understand sexing isn't 100% at that age but to get the sex and type of chicken mixed up was just my luck

 

[keesmom]

I understand sexing isn't 100% at that age but to get the sex and type of chicken mixed up was just my luck

Actually those are sexable at hatch by down. Black sex link cockerels are black with a white dot on the head. Black sex link pullets are solid black. TSC just screwed up in telling you what they were.

 

[JedJackson]

Hi all, I'm new to the site as a member but not as a viewer, I have come to this site many times for advice and information and it has been great. I decided what the heck, may as well join up
So I bought some chicks at Tractor Supply last Fall and well they were supposed to be Australorp Pullets
Well they are all boys and they are not Australorp and they kind of look like Barred Rocks but then again not.
So they are about 4 months old and they are going through feather changes and molting. But can anyone tell me what breed they are? Or if they are Barred Rocks. I honestly just am curious lol, (they also have makeshift no crow collars on until I receive their other ones) also their run is a mess because we went through a huge thaw and then it snowed again (I guess I'm a little self concious that people will say my chickens look sick and their housing is inadequate or gross)

Yep, agree they are black sex link cockerels and it looks like they are living the life of Riley. It's nice to see some happy cockerels that are well cared for. If you decide to get pullets in the future you might want to try black sex link pullets or red sex link pullets as both are guaranteed to be females and are sexable as chicks. You can get them just about anywhere that sells chicks. Good luck with your flock!

 

[ZombieMadHatter]

Yep, agree they are black sex link cockerels and it looks like they are living the life of Riley. It's nice to see some happy cockerels that are well cared for. If you decide to get pullets in the future you might want to try black sex link pullets or red sex link pullets as both are guaranteed to be females and are sexable as chicks. You can get them just about anywhere that sells chicks. Good luck with your flock!

I have some red sex link Pullets I bought in the spring last year they are spoiled hens now and will be a year old this year (I can call them red sex link hens because now I know that's what they are thanks to this awesome site and everyone here. I called them my redhead mutts but they are great egg layers)
Unfortunately I may have to get rid of the 4 males now because certain people in my family complained about having to help me with checking their wing feathers and adjusting the collars. Honestly if I was able to do it by myself I wouldn't have asked for the help. I will keep everyone posted on that outcome. It breaks my heart to think I may now have to do this. I do everything else with them by myself *sighs*