Thought I had a pullet now I'm not too sure...

[Smcd18]

So little back story. Bought this chicken from the local 4H we all thought it was a female. I also bought the black pullet (profile pic). The chicken in question has developed significantly fast then it's black sibling, in every aspect. It's feet are at least twice the size of any of my other hens. The comb has developed much faster as far as size and color then the black one and it's over all size is much larger then any of my other chickens. I have a 7 month old Buff Orpington (my oldest) and this chicken towers over her. This morning when I let them out of the coop I caught this chicken on top of one my hens pinning her head to the ground by her neck. There is no crowing yet but I am concerned as I absolutely do not want a rooster nor do I think they are allowed in my area. This is also my son's chicken that he picked and he will be devastated.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

It appears to be a cockerel, what is the age?

 

[Smcd18]

It appears to be a cockerel, what is the age?

In most of these pictures its about 4 weeks at my best guess. I got it at the local 4H and they weren't sure of age.

 

[cstephens1987]

In most of these pictures its about 4 weeks at my best guess. I got it at the local 4H and they weren't sure of age.

Definitely a cockerel

 

[Smcd18]

Definitely a cockerel

For future reference how do I tell when they are so young?

 

[cstephens1987]

For future reference how do I tell when they are so young?

Comb development and color. Pullets in almost all breeds do not start developing their combs until much later. Cockerels will develop them sooner and it's one of the most distinguishing sex characteristics of most non sex linked breeds prior to the sex specific feathering growth which starts to appear around 12+ weeks.

 

[cstephens1987]

For future reference how do I tell when they are so young?

Also pretty much everything in your original post was indicative of male. From size to behavior, etc. Kind of seems like you already knew but didn't want to be right

 

[Smcd18]

Also pretty much everything in your original post was indicative of male. From size to behavior, etc. Kind of seems like you already knew but didn't want to be right

I actually didn't realize it until today and I've had it since May lol

 

[chrissynemetz]

I have to agree, I believe you have little cockerel

 

[Smcd18]

These are pictures from today I estimate anywhere from 3 to 5 months old