3.5 week old Barred Rock... Hen or Roo?

[francine215]

We are new to keeping chickens and everyone keeps telling us it is too soon to tell but I just have a feeling she is a he. Can you help me determine if I am correct?

 

[speckledhen]

BOY, no doubt about it. It's rarely too soon with a hatchery Barred Rock, though sometimes, you're getting a black sex link male by mistake. He's one of the other, but definitely a HE.

ETA: Meant to say "one OR the other", sorry.

 

[francine215]

Thank you for your prompt response.

 

[speckledhen]

You're welcome. BRs don't get a comb like that at this young age unless it's a cockerel. The pullets' combs don't turn like that until somewhere around 12-14 weeks of age, or older even.

 

[BubbaLikesIt]

Yup, what you got there is a gangly old rooster like this one. Looks mean too.

 

[speckledhen]

Yup, what you got there is a gangly old rooster like this one. Looks mean too.

Hehehe, Bubba's just joshing you! It looks positively sweet and cuddly. I love BR roosters, like my Atlas here.

 

[BubbaLikesIt]

That's right, just kidding around. The photo of "Mongo" I posted is super common with BR roosters. At about 6 weeks they start looking real awkward and gangly. If I missed it as a chick, I'll catch it as soon as they start getting tall.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Cockerel.

 

[Michael OShay]

Cockerel.

I agree.

 

[francine215]

Thanks everyone. I am disappointed because he really is very sweet. Unfortunately, we are not able to keep him.