7 chicks - 7 weeks old - pullet or cockerel?

[TeaBex]

First time raising chickens. After some research, we went with a local reputable farm for our chicks. All were sexed as pullets, but I suspect we may have a cockerel or two in the mix. We have 4 Easter Eggers, 2 Lavender Orpingtons, and 1 Barred Plymouth. I know it may be too early to know definitively, but I’ve been enjoying the posts on here and thought I’d put mine up for opinion. Let me know what you think! I can take more pics if needed.
Names in order of images:
Candy, Nutter Butter, Rainbow, Martha Stewart, Ethel May, Betty Sue, and Jelly.

 

[JedJackson]

I'm not seeing any definite cockerels. The second Orpington has a taller comb, but that can happen with this variety. I think that is the one to watch, but I think all are pullets at this stage.

 

[TeaBex]

I'm not seeing any definite cockerels. The second Orpington has a taller comb, but that can happen with this variety. I think that is the one to watch, but I think all are pullets at this stage.

Betty Sue is indeed my prime suspect. Practically no tail feathers compared to Ethel May, and comb and waddle are coming in noticeably more pink as well. We can luckily own roosters where we live so we won’t hate it if one turns out to be a handsome gentleman.

 

[JedJackson]

Betty Sue is indeed my prime suspect. Practically no tail feathers compared to Ethel May, and comb and waddle are coming in noticeably more pink as well. We can luckily own roosters where we live so we won’t hate it if one turns out to be a handsome gentleman.

Time will tell with Betty Sue. The rest I think are pullets for sure.

 

[MarlaMac]

If one is a rooster, you might want to look into getting more pullets. 1 roo to 6 pullets can be a little overwhelming for the girls.

 

[Noraaaaa]

If one is a rooster, you might want to look into getting more pullets. 1 roo to 6 pullets can be a little overwhelming for the girls.

I think it just depends on the rooster. I have had multiple 1-to-3 roo- hen combonations, which have all worked but one (4/5 worked). So it could be fine, just comes with how docile the rooster is and how kind he is.

 

[Twilia]

First time raising chickens. After some research, we went with a local reputable farm for our chicks. All were sexed as pullets, but I suspect we may have a cockerel or two in the mix. We have 4 Easter Eggers, 2 Lavender Orpingtons, and 1 Barred Plymouth. I know it may be too early to know definitively, but I’ve been enjoying the posts on here and thought I’d put mine up for opinion. Let me know what you think! I can take more pics if needed.
Names in order of images:
Candy, Nutter Butter, Rainbow, Martha Stewart, Ethel May, Betty Sue, and Jelly.

Assuming that #5 & #6 are both Betty Sue;
That is not a pullet, but you knew that as a first timer? Also, I believe that barred rock is a male, only "his/her" chin is not visible.

Update in a week or so please (and tag me so I can check it out)

I am impressed. (and relieved that some folks are learning like this Before getting their first animals) Alot of experienced persons still aren't able to sex young birds.

Check out this article that might interest you:

Ask about Roosters: How to Deal with Aggression, Explained.

After realizing the need for clarity, I decided to create an article for those of you who have roos with behavior issues, those thinking about adding one to your flock, or if you are just curious since the issue is natural to come up for each of us in even the most docile of males. It is...

• Twilia
• Mar 21, 2025
• 4.00 star(s) 2 ratings
• Comments: 3
• Reviews: 2
• Category: Member Pages

_twilia;-)

 

[TeaBex]

If one is a rooster, you might want to look into getting more pullets. 1 roo to 6 pullets can be a little overwhelming for the girls.

We “oversized” our coop and run so we could comfortably add to our flock if wanting or needing. Will definitely keep a tab on this. Thanks!

 

[TeaBex]

Assuming that #5 & #6 are both Betty Sue;
That is not a pullet, but you knew that as a first timer? Also, I believe that barred rock is a male, only "his/her" chin is not visible.

Update in a week or so please (and tag me so I can check it out)

I am impressed. (and relieved that some folks are learning like this Before getting their first animals) Alot of experienced persons still aren't able to sex young birds.

Check out this article that might interest you:

Ask about Roosters: How to Deal with Aggression, Explained.

After realizing the need for clarity, I decided to create an article for those of you who have roos with behavior issues, those thinking about adding one to your flock, or if you are just curious since the issue is natural to come up for each of us in even the most docile of males. It is...

• Twilia
• Mar 21, 2025
• 4.00 star(s) 2 ratings
• Comments: 3
• Reviews: 2
• Category: Member Pages

_twilia;-)

#5 is Ethel May and #6 is Betty Sue. They are very contrasting in looks in person, so that’s why I suspect Ethel less but the comb is a bit concerning.
Ive gone back and fourth with Jelly (Barred rock) but im feeling more pullet as time passes. Although the comb is a bit prominent, it has not changed in a couple weeks now and she has barely a waddle with zero Redding only light pink. Also the dark wash legs and when wings are spread they show significantly more black than white. Time will tell I suppose.
I appreciate the article - every opportunity to learn is welcomed! Thank you!

 

[BDutch]

If one is a rooster, you might want to look into getting more pullets. 1 roo to 6 pullets can be a little overwhelming for the girls.

1 cockerrl/rooster and 6 pullets/hens is not a problem at all if they get along.
I had 1 cockerel with 3 hens without a problem. … except for the noise and disturbed neighbours.