Pullets or cockerels 7 weeks

[flowers 23]

Hi all



So these two were 7 weeks old yesterday.



I was confident barred chick is cockerel, from yellow circle on head when new born, and down not jet black, and flatter ridge between beak and comb.



I thought other chick (part silver lace wyandotte) was a girl (but thought had Barred Plymouth Rock Mum and Dad, clearly not...).



They seem to be developing combs and wattles, and general growth, matched closely. So now I'm thinking maybe they are both the same sex??



Any guesses for whether I have 2 boys, 2 girls or one of each? If both girls, fabulous, I'll keep both. I have found a perfect home for one rooster, but they want only one (he will free range and preside over all their girls). Any chances I've actually got two boys?



Photos taken today (7 weeks one day) and as younger chicks, down to day born (close up of BPR back of head). I had attached a short video and about 15 photos, but didn't accept, so I grouped photos and saved, and could post, sorry they scroll rapidly...

 

[DobieLover]

Hi all



So these two were 7 weeks old yesterday.



I was confident barred chick is cockerel, from yellow circle on head when new born, and down not jet black, and flatter ridge between beak and comb.



I thought other chick (part silver lace wyandotte) was a girl (but thought had Barred Plymouth Rock Mum and Dad, clearly not...).



They seem to be developing combs and wattles, and general growth, matched closely. So now I'm thinking maybe they are both the same sex??



Any guesses for whether I have 2 boys, 2 girls or one of each? If both girls, fabulous, I'll keep both. I have found a perfect home for one rooster, but they want only one (he will free range and preside over all their girls). Any chances I've actually got two boys?



Photos taken today (7 weeks one day) and as younger chicks, down to day born (close up of BPR back of head). I had attached a short video and about 15 photos, but didn't accept, so I grouped photos and saved, and could post, sorry they scroll rapidly...

Post each picture separately. It's impossible to get a good look at each bird with the images flying by so fast.

 

[Jener8or]

Both boys

 

[flowers 23]

Post each picture separately. It's impossible to get a good look at each bird with the images flying by so fast.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Both are males

 

[flowers 23]

Thank you. So two boys, sigh.
So, what is the best age to rehome? On farm they have about 20 hens (mostly rescued Isa Brown battery hens I think), with currently no roosters (removed from flock, didn't want close breeding). Also my friend had said she wanted only one rooster. Are there any positives to 2 roosters in a flock that size? They are very good friends now (but only 7 weeks old), always together, peep and run to each other all the time, even in preference to Mum (though she is still their favourite hen and often near her). They are both at bottom of pecking order. I have 6 hens. I'm not allowed to keep roosters (live in town).

Any advice? Best age to go to flock and any advantages I may be able to persuade for them to hopefully go together?

Thank you

 

[sean_wonder]

Any advice? Best age to go to flock and any advantages I may be able to persuade for them to hopefully go together?

Once they're fully feathered, they're ready to go IMO. Not really any advantages other than reducing the chance of one roo overbreeding and hurting himself with 20 hens. Usually 5-10 hens per roo is standard... If they're good roosters, they'll defend the ladies and find them food if you want to go for that angle, but really it's more that 20 hens is a lot for a single rooster.

 

[flowers 23]

Thanks Sean

I was also wondering if they would be picked on by 20 hens; they are at the bottom of our flock's pecking order. Eg, they will move out of the way if a hen wants what they are eating, and they roost separately - want to go on the main perch, go on initially but others will hassle, so then they go elsewhere, I put them back on the perch when it is dark and everyone is settled, then they are fine (and currently I also relocate three broody hens out of the nesting boxes and onto the roosting perch at the same time - at least one of whom, and sometimes all three, will go back to the nesting box as soon as I am gone).

They are now eleven weeks old. Fully feathered, guess about 2/3 adult height but not filled out yet. They are now trying to find their voices - not crow, just sort of warble a bit, both also still cheep most of the time.

I want the best chance of integration, and thought they might stand a better chance when they are a bit older and able to handle any hen pecking from their new flock?

Also it is very hot here now 43 degrees Celsius (109.5 Fahrenheit) today but is fairly dry heat. I would hate for them to not drink enough, for example, if intimidated by new flock. I would presume there would be multiple drinkers, but not sure of set up of the new flock.

 

[flowers 23]

Happy New Year everyone!

My friend did graciously accept both my boys.

My two cockerels went to my friend's farm yesterday at 13 weeks old.

She actually has 4 chicks about the same age (slightly younger) than mine, and currently living separate to her adult hens, so put my chicks in with them. The chicks will stay separated until adults and then be integrated as a group to her hens.

Apparently her 4 chicks were initially scared of my 2...

I am very grateful they should both be able to live out their days as roosters.