Golden Comets : Pullet or Cockerel?

[sarahlnorm]

I just picked up these Golden Comets yesterday and was told they "should" all be pullets. The one on the right with the cream colored head has a lot of traits that resemble a cockerel to me. Is it possible that if this isn't a first generation that the lighter colored one could be a pullet? Looking for advice on whether this one is going to be a hen or roo?

 

[PeakyBeaky]

" Golden Comets" are sex linked-so the pullets should be brown and cockerels are white. What you have look like mixes(second generation), so I agree- it would be hard to say what you have.

 

[debid]

The crossing for sexlinked color only works in the first generation. After that, they are all shades of red/white with no relation to gender. The chick on the right is already getting red in the comb and is a cockerel. The other two might be pullets but it's a little early to be sure.

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

I agree, the mostly white one looks like a cockeral because of the comb. The other two look like pullets so far.

 

[debid]

Just curious, will they let you exchange the one? If so, look for another with a tiny, pale comb. That's the most reliable indicator at this age.

 

[donrae]

Where did you get them from? If they didn't come from a hatchery, they're quite likely second generation and all bets are off as to gender and color. Feel free to ask the sellers--did they breed these birds themselves? If they bred a comet hen to a comet rooster, they're not comets anymore, they're just good laying mutts.

 

[sarahlnorm]

I bought them from a nearby farmer who just breeds them for locals. They have a very small operation. I didn't ask specifically what chickens were bred, so it's likely not first generation, but I'll follow up with them on that. They will take back any cockerels/roos and exchange them without any problem so I'm not worried about returning it. I would just prefer to exchange it now if it's definitely not a pullet, than to raise it for another month and wait for it to crow. Is it a safe bet that any chicken this age (7 weeks) with a redish comb is a cockerel?

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

The redish comb is not a 100% indicator at that age, as a late developing cockeral might have a tiny pale comb yet. Just pick one that has the smallest comb and thinnest legs. Leg thickness is usually a good indicator too, as males have thicker lags than females.

 

[sarahlnorm]

Both the lighter/possible roo and one of the other ones have some pretty thick legs. How much longer would I have to wait to know for sure whether they are hen or roo? Hopefully before they lay or crow?

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

You should know for certain by 10-12 weeks that they are male or female. I am fairly sure that the darker two or your birds are females. I would go trade the cockeral in as soon as possible so they can all adjust to their new flock hierarchy. I wouldn't want to try introducing a new one to two established birds once they are older. They would fight less the younger they are.