Sudden extreme aggression from one chick--possible rooster?

[sophiehatter1057]

I have 12 almost 3 week old chicks: 6 australorps (4 black, 2 blue) and 6 easter eggers. They were supposed to be sexed pullets (from a feed store that got them from Ideal). The order was completely different breeds from what the feed store had ordered, so I wonder if females/males might have been mixed up too.

Even though it's too early to tell, I am willing to bet most of what I own that one of the black australorps is a rooster. He's got a very red, adorably prominent little comb, and zero tail feathers, and his chirp is an octave lower than the rest. So far, he has been super sweet and gentle. I can't keep roosters here and what consoles me is that my good friend intends to give him a good home.

Today, he and one of the easter eggers were going at it viciously. Nothing like this happened before, and it went way beyond the pecking order stuff I've been watching the 12 engage in. It ended with the easter egger tearing out feathers and eating them. I'm pretty sure the easter egger is the instigator. Does this level of aggression suggest a rooster? If it's causing harm and I can't keep it anyway, I'm wondering if it's better to part with it sooner rather than later?

(All of their needs are well met: good temperature, huge clean brooder, tons of fresh clean water and food)

 

[nuthatched]

Not really, the most aggressive birds I've had have been hens.

 

[sophiehatter1057]

Not really, the most aggressive birds I've had have been hens.

Thank you! Did they mellow out? How did you manage them?

 

[nuthatched]

Thank you! Did they mellow out? How did you manage them?

When
you catch it being aggressive, peck it with fingers. Hard.