Isa Brown hens vs rooster identification and age

[bigwoods]

I bought (4) 10 month old hens and not sure one of them is actually a hen. One of them is a bit bigger, pecks at the other three once in awhile and has long nubs (spurs?) about a half inch long. They are not pointy and more rounded/blunt. Only one hen is laying everyother day so far but I've only had them a couple weeks. After really looking them over close Im not sure all are the same age. One has a long curved over beak, a couple are shorter and blunt and one had a beak that was broke off. I didnt pay much for them and they are looking much better in the 2.5 weeks Ive had them. I will keep them awhile longer either way but can see myself starting over if they dont produce.

So the questions I have are.....

1) Do only roosters have what appear to be spurs?

2) Can you tell age by the length, curvature or pointyness of theirs beaks?

 

[GitaBooks]

Welcome to BYC!

My guess is, it is a rooster. Only roosters should grow spurs, at least in most breeds. Some chickens do have five toes, but if they are rounded, my guess would be developing spurs. It takes a while for spurs to develop all the way.

Beaks keep growing throughout the life of a bird, they get worn away by pecking for food. I don't think you can tell age by length or sharpness, as I have adults with rounded beaks and chicks with really sharp beaks.

Best of luck to you!

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Pics of the birds would help.

 

[StarMeKritten]

ISA brown roosters are mostly white. Either the chicken in question is a rooster of another breed or its a hen. Look for shiny pointy saddle feathers (on the back) which will indicate if it is a male. If you post photos, we would be happy to give you an answer either way.

 

[bigwoods]

Not by much but its the darkest red bird of the 4. I did see where they are said to have more white on them as a rooster. I will get some pics tonight after work and post them. Thanks for the answers so far.

 

[bigwoods]

Here "it" is...

My coop....

 

[donrae]

Those are all hens.

 

[GitaBooks]

I like the coop!

 

[Michael OShay]

Those are all hens.

I agree. Male Isa Browns (which is one of the labels under which some hatcheries market their Red Sex Links) are primarily white with some reddish feathering in the saddle area.

 

[BantamLover21]

All hens.