What sex is this?

[Katie24]

Hello, we got 3 polish chickens yesterday and believed they were all hens. But now one of them is crowing? And we’re unsure if this means it’s definitely a cockerel?

 

[Rose Quartz]

Hello, we got 3 polish chickens yesterday and believed they were all hens. But now one of them is crowing? And we’re unsure if this means it’s definitely a cockerel?

Whats the age? a picture of the others might help.

 

[Katie24]

16 weeks, I’ll get some more pictures.

 

[Katie24]

Here are our other two.

 

[Hensndoes]

Im not very helpful here as I just got 2 polish for fun and am not all that familiar. They are quite comical birds! but ty for posting pics of all 3. That first ones waddles look to be quite large in comparison of the other 2. And it's crowing . Can you keep a rooster? I hope someone didn't dump their problem on you.

 

[Katie24]

Ideally we wanted hens. We got them from a sanctuary who told us they were. They are lovely birds, very relaxed. Just unsure if we want a rooster?

 

[Hensndoes]

I've had 4 so far - still have 2 of them. I absolutely love and advocate for Roos - but I've yet to have a rude one. Some people say don't handle them and don't this don't that if you want them to be nice. I've handled all mine regularly and none ever caused any issues. Why I love them - they keep watch for the girls calling them to hide when need be, always find treats but call the girls to eat them, fluff up the nests and give moral support for egglaying. And they don't allow the girls to argue. That said all of my Roos have come from a breeder who eats the rude ones and doesn't allow them to breed.

I'm not sure I've ever heard of a chicken sanctuary (I'm in New England so not surprised) but a little surprised they sold you a 16 week old *hen* that probably hasn't laid an egg yet at that age and crows. Maybe she's about to lay an egg and that is why the larger waddles? Maybe it isn't really a crow you're hearing? Is it doing the shagtime shuffle yet?

Oh- and I know those head poofs look gorgeous but I followed some advice I read on hear and gave mine a haircut. They are so much calmer now that they can see! I tried to go with the Mohawk look but kinda ended up lookin like a cross between a mad scientist and Peg Bundy. Speaking of which - that head poofy thing doesn't look to have any steamers. I thought boys got those. This is where another BYCer that is more familiar with the breed would be helpful.

 

[Katie24]

Thank you for all your help - I really appreciate it. Will look into the hair cuts!

 

[JedJackson]

They all look like females, but if you are sure one of them crowed, then I would suspect the first white one because of the huge wattles. But the crests on all three look like female crests, so I am not sure what is going on. I would expect to see some male feathering by 16 weeks and there isn't any I can see.

 

[Katie24]

Ok thank you for your help. I think we’re just going to have to wait and see. Do hens sometime crow?