What is happening!? Cockerels everywhere?

[lutherpug]

I'm not an expert at all but I think those are all pullets. The lavender orpington is the only one that *might* be a roo IMO but I'm not convinced. I'm sure you'll get more experienced folks chiming in here as well.

If it makes you feel better, I've ordered a lot of sexed pullets from MPC over the years and have yet to get a single rooster. I'm talking 40+ birds.

 

[ChickenJV12]

They look like all pullets to me

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Welsummer's a girl.

Agree

 

[Hobbits Mommie]

I feel your frustration Out of the 19 that I raised, 5 were hens. Luckily I found someone to take the cockerels but it was sad and depressing to have to do that.

 

[meetthebubus]

First I say pullets

Secondly combs becoming more red close to 4 months old is just a sign of maturity

Thirdly chest bumping, even fighting happens with hens. Usually over establishing their places in pecking order which is extremely normal


Oh and please dont turn your chickens upside down lol head rush!

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

At that age the Welsummer would have a black chest if it was a male.

 

[Col1948]

I recently saw a couple of my hens chest bumping and the odd chase as well, as meetthebubus above says, establishing pecking order.

 

[Jmash]

Welsummer's a girl.

Phew! That’s a relief!

 

[Alexandra33]

Your Welsummer is a guaranteed pullet. I do believe the Orp is, too. This is a slow-maturing breed, but I'm still not seeing anything that would lead me to think cockerel. At 4 months, a lot of pullets begin pinking up.

Also, behavior has little to do with a specific gender. In my experience, the whole "dominant = male; meek = female" theory isn't truly accurate, especially before maturity hits. Many of my grown hens full-blown fight on a regular basis, while half the roosters prefer to avoid such confrontations. Such peaceable creatures. In short, it all depends on the individual bird, and their natural tendencies.

~Alex

 

[Chickassan]

I see a bunch of girls, a bunch of sassy girls from what you're saying but girls none the less.