Is this a hen or roo?

[Sarah2020]

I got this buff Orpington advertised as a hen but she has started to mount her 3-month-old hatch mate. So now I’m wondering do hens do that to show dominance or is this a cockerel?

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Cockerel.

 

[HappyDuckie]

Yes, hens can mount to show dominance. But your bird looks like a cockerel.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Even if it was for dominance, your pullet seems a little young for that.

 

[The Happster]

Yes, hens can mount to show dominance. But your bird looks like a cockerel.

Agreed.
He's a cockerel.

 

[sourland]

It appears to be a cockerel.

 

[Painted Calls]

Cockerel.

 

[Sarah2020]

Well shoot... he was advertised as a pullet. I guess my next question is how will one rooster do with five hens? We don’t want to raise chicks - just trying to get eggs and keep pets. That said, he could come in handy for keeping away predators so I don’t have to watch over them when they free range... *sigh*

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

I guess my next question is how will one rooster do with five hens? We don’t want to raise chicks - just trying to get eggs and keep pets. That said, he could come in handy for keeping away predators so I don’t have to watch over them when they free range... *sigh*

Not all roosters protect their flock. Some are really crappy at that. One rooster to five hens should be fine, but you should definitely watch for overmating.

 

[cassie123]

Looks a cockeral!