Is this a rooster?

[Bradyu123]

Purchased at my local farm store was assured they where all sexed birds and females. One of my lavender orpingtons looks very rooster like the other does not.

 

[RiDaGeckoGuy]

He’ll be a pretty rooster and will protect the hens to the death

 

[SilverBirds]

He’ll be a pretty rooster and will protect the hens to the death

He is a cockerel, but I doubt that he will protect the hens "to the death". Most roosters merely act as watch guards and flee when they since danger instead of charging it head on.

 

[Bradyu123]

He is a cockerel, but I doubt that he will protect the hens "to the death". Most roosters merely act as watch guards and flee when they since danger instead of charging it head on.

The flock is only 6 birds total. Do you think I should keep him? Kind of a bummer as the chickens are for egg production only

 

[Bradyu123]

He’ll be a pretty rooster and will protect the hens to the death

Think I should get rid of him? Keep hearing roosters are trouble

 

[FrostRanger]

Up to you, he may turn out well, he might not. No telling at this point. If you want him, keep him, if not, rehome him he's pretty in any case

 

[RiDaGeckoGuy]

Think I should get rid of him? Keep hearing roosters are trouble

Yes I’ve heard many stories of lavender Orpingtons fighting off predators and mine is super defensive and doesn’t allow any to mess with the hens he even attacked a lab trying to eat them

 

[SilverBirds]

The flock is only 6 birds total. Do you think I should keep him? Kind of a bummer as the chickens are for egg production only

If this is your first time having chickens and your main goal was just laying hens to begin with, I would get rid the cockerel and just keep the girls. I love owning roosters and will always have one in my flock as long as having one is aloud, but they aren't for everyone. Roosters are great if you are wanting to breed and hatch chicks yourself. Other than that, hens can step up and act in the other rooster roles.

It's also a possibility that when your cockerels' hormones kick into high gear he'll become a jerk. Dealing with a young hormonal rooster can be a big pain in the rear and can really suck the fun out of owning chickens. As you become more experienced in keeping chickens over the next few years you can always revisit getting a mature roo for your flock.