Why does it have to be this way (false alarm)

[Logar]

Please tell me I am wrong. I have been on vacation for the past 5 days and in that time it looks like Goldie, our buff Orpington who is so nice and absolutely hilarious, has developed into a rooster. I really thought that we were in the clear as they are 10 weeks tomorrow (9 weeks old the last time I saw them) and “she” was developing like a pullet for the entire time up until now.

Out of 6 chicks who were sexed to be females, 2 are roosters. So much for 90% accuracy. And those two are of course my 2 favorites. I don’t know what to do. I adore these guys so much. Killing is not an option and I fear rehoming isn’t going to be possible as nobody keeps chickens near us that are allowed roosters. I have mental health issues and I don’t know what getting rid of one of them would do to me other than it would be bad. What should I do? Keeping a 1:4 flock is doable but I know that is for sure the absolute minimum I would have and even then I think that could be a bit of a stretch. We aren’t even allowed roosters but I know that getting rid of a rooster will result in a dead rooster most of the time. Do Brahmas or Orpingtons tend to make better roosters? I am just at a loss for what to do and really need some help.

 

[SilverBirds]

Orpingtons tend to pink up early. Can you post some full body shots?

 

[Logar]

Orpingtons tend to pink up early. Can you post some full body shots?

I can’t right now but I can later. And they do? I have never heard that they pink up early. That at least gives me a tiny bit of hope.

 

[Logar]

I have these pictures from last week though. They aren’t making me feel great either.

 

[SilverBirds]

I have these pictures from last week though. They aren’t making me feel great either.View attachment 3860087View attachment 3860089

That's a female.

 

[Logar]

That's a female.

I thought other male characteristics don’t start to become obvious until they are a bit older? Either way I am feeling a lot better as of now. I will still update with a new picture in 5-6 hours when I get back home.

 

[SilverBirds]

I can’t right now but I can later. And they do? I have never heard that they pink up early. That at least gives me a tiny bit of hope.

A few breeds such as Orpingtons and Sussexs will start to develop more color around 8-10 weeks old. It's not as young as Wyandottes, but still fairly young compared to most other breeds.

 

[SilverBirds]

I thought other male characteristics don’t start to become obvious until they are a bit older? Either way I am feeling a lot better as of now. I will still update with a new picture in 5-6 hours when I get back home.

Most other male traits won't start coming in until 12 weeks old.

 

[SchwartzLakeFarmNC]

Pullet.
Large brown eggs will be headed your way!

 

[Logar]

ok now I am much happier and can actually enjoy my car ride home to see my chickies instead of stress over what to do! Thanks everyone!