Barred Rocks - hens or roos?

[FlockinAround]

These two arrived with pretty large white spots on the tops of their heads but I know that's not 100%- however, they are both filling out pretty white (on their feathers). Hatch date 3/18/25 so about 4 weeks old. Sold as gals but we are suspecting they are dudes. Trying to be sure asap as we can't have roosters here and it's looking like a good handful of our order is boys.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Those don't look like Barred Rocks to me. They look like they're Cuckoo Marans. Because Marans can have larger combs, it's hard to tell at this age. I did see some red in the wattles on 2, but I've seen red come early in the wattles on pullets before. Perhaps post updates as they grow? It might be easier to tell at six weeks.

 

[FlockinAround]

Those don't look like Barred Rocks to me. They look like they're Cuckoo Marans. Because Marans can have larger combs, it's hard to tell at this age. I did see some red in the wattles on 2, but I've seen red come early in the wattles on pullets before. Perhaps post updates as they grow? It might be easier to tell at six weeks.

woah! That's cool! Omg that would be awesome, I honestly don't care what type they are as long as they're ladies-I'll update in a couple weeks!

 

[StinkyAcres]

Those don't look like Barred Rocks to me. They look like they're Cuckoo Marans. Because Marans can have larger combs, it's hard to tell at this age. I did see some red in the wattles on 2, but I've seen red come early in the wattles on pullets before. Perhaps post updates as they grow? It might be easier to tell at six weeks.

What makes you think they're Cuckoo Marans?

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

What makes you think they're Cuckoo Marans?

The spot on their heads. Barred Rocks have a smaller spot that sits well on their heads. Cuckoo Marans (and these would be the non-French variety because they're clean-legged) have a bigger spot that can travel down to the top of their necks and sometimes into their face.

 

[StinkyAcres]

The spot on their heads. Barred Rocks have a smaller spot that sits well on their heads. Cuckoo Marans (and these would be the non-French variety because they're clean-legged) have a bigger spot that can travel down to the top of their necks and sometimes into their face.

Thanks! I assume feet color cannot be used at this age?

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Thanks! I assume feet color cannot be used at this age?

Yes, the foot color is another way to tell, but I had noticed the head first. Barred Rocks have yellow legs whereas the Cuckoo Marans don't. I'm not sure at what age you can see the difference... but the grey on the front of the shanks is definitely the Marans.