Unknown barred rock gender.

[Elegantenvy]

I have a barred rock that I got from a straight run batch at tractor supply. I got 2, with the thought that I would at least have a hen and a rooster out of the two, if not 2 hens. One of the ones I got, does not seem to be a barred rock lol. She has no stripes. But the one that is, is what my question is about. This one seems more aggressive than the others both to the other chicks, and myself. It lunges any time I stick my hand in the brooder. The comb seems bigger than my pullets and I'm seeing slight red tint to the wattle area. It also seems to have a different stance/stature than my other pullets.

I've read that barred rock roosters are lighter than the females; so far it seems on the dark side, but I'm really debating on this one being a rooster. Just looking to see what you guys think. They're about 4 weeks old if I remember correctly.

 

[JedJackson]

It's a cockerel. Could be a black sex link male rather than a barred rock.

 

[Mamatomany123]

It's a cockerel. Could be a black sex link male rather than a barred rock.

I agree. It's a cockerel and might be a sexlink

 

[Silviaschicks]

That is definitely a roo

 

[Elegantenvy]

It's a cockerel. Could be a black sex link male rather than a barred rock.

That's so odd. So maybe they were labeled wrong? The female I got is all black with white in the face (so far).

Back to the rooster though, it's so aggressive. Can I nip this in the bud now somehow? I:be had roosters before, but they were friendly.

 

[JedJackson]

That's so odd. So maybe they were labeled wrong? The female I got is all black with white in the face (so far).

Back to the rooster though, it's so aggressive. Can I nip this in the bud now somehow? I:be had roosters before, but they were friendly.

Usually aggression is hormonal and has to do with the rooster protecting hens, which isn't what is going on with a chick so young. But personality has something to do with it, I think.

The best thing to do is to not make a pet of him, and to let him know who is boss by not letting his behavior deter you from caring for and holding the other chicks. Push back at him when he attacks, and see if he gets the idea. Really it is a case of 'time will tell'. If he remains aggressive then it is probably best to either make a meal of him or rehome him.

There are a lot of posts here about rooster aggression, and how to try to change the behavior. So use your 'search' button and see what works best for you.