We had 1 straight run chick... and pretty sure this is a Roo!?

[thistlewick]

So we think this is a fella, 2.5 weeks old and that comb is pinking up?! He is our only Sapphire Splash.

 

[Bertram]

I would say cockerel.

 

[TillyPeeps]

Yeah, large pink comb and slow feather development indicate it's a cockerel.

 

[thistlewick]

Yay! We are so happy we really wanted a Rooster!

How will I be able to tell if he's a "gentleman" Rooster versus a nasty one?

So far, in the couple weeks we've had him, he is bossy, but gentle. When we tried a new waterer for the first time, he wouldn't let any one else touch it until he deemed it safe, which we thought absolutely ADORABLE <3

So far so good? What red flags do I need to keep my eye out for in a naughty Rooster?

 

[FamilyOfSeven]

Yay! We are so happy we really wanted a Rooster!

How will I be able to tell if he's a "gentleman" Rooster versus a nasty one?

So far, in the couple weeks we've had him, he is bossy, but gentle. When we tried a new waterer for the first time, he wouldn't let any one else touch it until he deemed it safe, which we thought absolutely ADORABLE <3

So far so good? What red flags do I need to keep my eye out for in a naughty Rooster?

A mean rooster will pick on other chickens and be very protective to the point where he might attack you! So be careful. A kind rooster will still be protective but not be as aggressive.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Yay! We are so happy we really wanted a Rooster!

How will I be able to tell if he's a "gentleman" Rooster versus a nasty one?

So far, in the couple weeks we've had him, he is bossy, but gentle. When we tried a new waterer for the first time, he wouldn't let any one else touch it until he deemed it safe, which we thought absolutely ADORABLE <3

So far so good? What red flags do I need to keep my eye out for in a naughty Rooster?

You'll have to wait until he gets older to get indicators that he's going sour

 

[Ridgerunner]

Yeah, large pink comb and slow feather development indicate it's a cockerel.

Actually slow feathering has to do with it having the dominant slow feathering gene, it does not indicate sex. That myth comes from feather sexing, where you mate a fast-feathering male to a slow-feathering female. If the parents are set up right slow-feathering does mean a male, but if the parents are not set up correctly genetically a slow-feathering chicken could be any sex.

At that age the comb development and heavy legs indicate a boy.

You'll have to wait until he gets older to get indicators that he's going sour

When they are in puberty their hormones can take control and they often appear to be a "nasty" boy as far as interactions with the other chickens. If you can get by that phase most mature into decent flock masters.

The other potential issue is human aggression. This can show up on puberty and is not acceptable as far as I'm concerned.

 

[thistlewick]

Actually slow feathering has to do with it having the dominant slow feathering gene, it does not indicate sex. That myth comes from feather sexing, where you mate a fast-feathering male to a slow-feathering female. If the parents are set up right slow-feathering does mean a male, but if the parents are not set up correctly genetically a slow-feathering chicken could be any sex.

At that age the comb development and heavy legs indicate a boy.




When they are in puberty their hormones can take control and they often appear to be a "nasty" boy as far as interactions with the other chickens. If you can get by that phase most mature into decent flock masters.

The other potential issue is human aggression. This can show up on puberty and is not acceptable as far as I'm concerned.

When does puberty begin and end so I can keep track?

 

[Ridgerunner]

When does puberty begin and end so I can keep track?

With some cockerels it can begin at 10 to 12 weeks. With other cockerels it can be 18 to 20 weeks. With a lot of mine it seems to be around 15 weeks but individuals can vary a lot.

When does puberty end? I've had a cockerel take over a flock of mature hens at 5 months of age. All those hens, including the dominant hen, were pretty laid back and did not put up a fight. I had one cockerel take 11 months before he took over the flock. He had a fairly weak personality and the dominant hen absolutely did not want to give up her lead position so that transition was not peaceful. When puberty ends can vary depending on the cockerel and the hens. A lot of my cockerels take over the flock from the head hen at 7 months or so and that is usually a peaceful transition.