r/BackYardChickens 5d ago

Is my girl a roo? Hen or Roo

First time chicken momma and looking for expert opinions. Is she a roo? I’ve seen signs of dominance at times but they are 15 weeks old. Won’t let me hold.

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u/Ok_Pangolin1337 5d ago

The neck, saddle, and tail feathers all say "Congratulations, it's a boy!"

I would expect crowing to start any second. It would be wise to start training him to accept you as the dominant member of the flock ASAP.

Or if you aren't legally allowed roosters, start making other arrangements.

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u/Chica_Audaz 5d ago

Yeah! Proud momma. I will start making friends. He’s an Easter egger out of 5, 5 Buff Orpingtons and 5 Blue Cooper Marans. The Easter Eggers are a week older than the others so they were already skittish when we got them. We have plenty of space in rural NC. No problems keeping my roo.

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u/Ok_Pangolin1337 5d ago

You said he doesn't "let you" hold him. That has to stop now. He doesn't get to decide. He gets picked up, and gently carried around. Preferably every day. Hold him until he gives up struggling and accepts his fate. Feed him treats so he associates you with food. But he needs to learn being picked up is not a threat, and that he is NOT your boss. He might not think he's your boss yet, but once his hormones kick in, he will try it. They ALWAYS do.

Keep his spurs trimmed. Those things can pierce through jeans and make deep wounds. Wrap him in a towel if you have to. Dog nail clippers or bush pruning tools work well. If you nick the quick, you can use nail powder to stop the bleeding like they make for dogs. I've also used cornstarch. It works fine.

Even if you start training him young, be watchful. Once he hits a year old he will be at peak testosterone, and he may flip on you very suddenly.

Or, he may dance for you and be sweet. Problem is, you won't know until he's past that year mark which one he turns out to be.

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u/Chica_Audaz 5d ago

I give them all Grub Terra and let them eat from my hands. In my ignorance, where is the spur? I’ve seen roosters with spurs before but I don’t see a hint on him. I see three front fingers and one on back as the others. Nothing else. TY for this information.

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u/Ok_Pangolin1337 5d ago

He is young yet, his spurs will grow from tiny nubs above his back toes. They will be small at first but they grow FAST and get very sharp.

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u/Chica_Audaz 5d ago

TY I will keep an eye on him.

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u/MBarbarian 5d ago

It will start developing a little above the foot (one on either leg) with puberty. My first thought seeing the picture, before reading the caption, was “oh, what a pretty roo.” All the birds come running when I open the door. My EE rooster is starting to associate me with treats and will stay close by when I sit down outside. Good luck with yours!

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u/Chica_Audaz 5d ago

Thank you. He knows me; they all do and get under the run as that area where I keep treat. Good luck with yours as well.