What To Do About Shadow? Long, Need Input...(PICS ADDED)

[speckledhen]

I removed the Welsummer cockerel and five Wellie pullets to the Firetower out of the nursery group, the teens. I took Panda, Mace, Vada (GLW), Virginia, Victoria(SLWs) and Shadow and put them in with Dutch's(Hawkeye's son)group. The Wellie boy was about 1/3 larger than Dutch-didnt think they were huge birds, but he sure is. He was definitely in charge over milder-mannered Dutch and I put a stop to that. His new mom is coming to get him and three of the Welsummer girls on Aug 11. Shadow was hiding between Vada (GLW) and Panda and they protect him like big sisters, LOL. It's cute.
So, when amazondoc gets her Welsummer quad, I'll clean up and move the tiny chicks (Orps and Delawares) from the brooder into the Firetower till I can figure out what else to do with them. When they get larger, I'll move Shadow in with some of the smaller ladies and everyone will be where they're supposed to be. I think. Oh, and for those who are unfamiliar with the Firetower Coop, here it is. Almost built it for free with recycled materials and it used to house my blue and black Ameraucanas.

 

[speckledhen]

Here are Panda, Shadow and Vada (VAY-duh, GLW) so you can see how small he is, comparatively.

 

[theOEGBman]

Cyn, my frizzled cochin hen had a bigger comb than Shadow's at the age of 3 days, LOL. We were positive it was a cockeral, then it laid an egg. I dont doubt your sexing, but that boy needs to grow a comb!

 

[speckledhen]

Jordan, believe me, I'd love for him to be a pullet. I've never had bantams, but I do believe those are stringy saddle feathers on that kid. I'll be SO happy to be wrong, though!

 

[Bawkadoodledoo]

sounds like there's a Vader in the family!

 

[silkieluver_07]

Cyn, here's my friend Kim's lavender cockeral and pullet if you want a comb comparison. How old is Shadow? I'm not sure how old these are:

I love your firehouse coop. I think Shadow and the ladies will be very happy.

 

[speckledhen]

Shadow is about 10 weeks old now, maybe 11. I'm not sure how long he was at the feedstore, and it may have been the shipment from the week before. His comb is super-bright red and so are his tiny wattles which is one reason I'm thinking he cant be a pullet; however, this is my only bantam, so I'm not sure how fast they develop that way.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

It's my understanding that cochin pullets tend to have a little brighter red comb/wattle than other breed pullets.

I have a week old frizzle bantam cochin baby that crowed this morning....I kid you not!! Over and over again...not just once. I'm going to video it when I get home and will post.

 

[speckledhen]

Oh, I believe you! I had an Ameraucana crow at five days old, a splash Orp at seven days and another one in this batch at about six days old. It's really cute!
The thing about Shadow is that is appears that he has saddle and hackle feathers, but they are sort of odd feathers, almost twisted like dreadlocks, LOL. He's so small, I'm not quite sure what I'm seeing, but if he is a she, I'll be pleased as punch!

 

[speckledhen]

We were outside with Shadow today. That baby is probably 11 weeks old, has a very red comb and wattle area, but no actual wattles (flat) and the comb is still small. Do Cochin bantam pullets get very red at this age? Seems awful young to me, but I'll be very happy if Shadow is a pullet. Either way, I have a feeling he'll be staying here.