Ancona Androgyny

[craynium]

Hello all,

First timers so we went with a breeder's hen mix. Our hens were 10 weeks on 5/18/2020. The Ancona is the favorite of my oldest daughter. I know Ancona's have larger combs and waddles, but I am nervous as we will not have roosters. If this one is shaping up as a Roo, I need to lay some emotional groundwork for my daughter. I would appreciate any input!!

Personality - aggressive, to the point of bullying in its consistency but has never hurt another hen or drawn blood. I have found her roosting higher than any other hens but also on the ground in the group. One of the first to greet and get treats but is not dominant at the feed.

Thank you all!!!

 

[Gallinarium]

I think she's a hen. Anconas do in fact have large combs and wattles, and they often have the temperament necessary to be at or near the top of the hierarchy.
She looks like she has the feminine rounded hackle and saddle feathers, though. And her comb and wattles aren't that large, for Anconas anyway.

 

[featheredplanets]

Looks like a young cockerel to me He’s too young for male specific feathering.

 

[Egg Snatcher]

Roo. if it was a hen it would have a very small comb. We have 3 one hen and two Roos.

 

[chickenE]

Boy

 

[NatJ]

I'm not sure of the gender from the pictures, but you might want to start laying the groundwork for "it might be a boy." If it is a female, then no harm done, and if it is a male you'll be prepared.

If you want to get up at dawn and go stand by the chicken pen--crowing is a pretty clear sign of gender. The first crows by a young rooster can sound strange, and they may not be loud enough to hear from inside your house. Age of first crow seems to be quite variable-- I've had some young males that crowed before 8 weeks old, and I've read of some that did not crow until 6+ months. But it might be worth getting up early one morning to listen, because if "she" does crow, then you know for sure about the gender!

 

[craynium]

I'm not sure of the gender from the pictures, but you might want to start laying the groundwork for "it might be a boy." If it is a female, then no harm done, and if it is a male you'll be prepared.

If you want to get up at dawn and go stand by the chicken pen--crowing is a pretty clear sign of gender. The first crows by a young rooster can sound strange, and they may not be loud enough to hear from inside your house. Age of first crow seems to be quite variable-- I've had some young males that crowed before 8 weeks old, and I've read of some that did not crow until 6+ months. But it might be worth getting up early one morning to listen, because if "she" does crow, then you know for sure about the gender!

I had the convo, thanks for the 'push'

 

[craynium]

Thanks everyone for the input. I will update when we know for sure.

 

[keesmom]

Cockerel.

 

[craynium]

Officially a cockerel. Started crowing this morning.
I have updated our girls and are now looking for a new home.
Anyone know someone in NE Ohio that wants him?