lenphy Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 A month ago some kind person left 2 chickens in my paddock. Neither the RSPCA or the Police were interested so I took them in and housed them with my 4 rescued battery hens. I believe they are Rhode Island Reds. Their combs and wattles have developed but no spurs. Is there any way of sexing these birds without waiting for them to mature? It is strange that the smaller hens chase both of them off when they get too close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 Hi, Whoever left them with you must have know you would look after them well Are you able to post a photo here,so we can have a look & try to give an opinion? Your old hens will chase them - its a terratorial pecking order thing & perfectly normal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 If they are cockerels the feathers on their hackles will have pointy tips rather than round. They will also have sturdier longer legs, more lavish wattles and combs and a more blokish stance. Their tail feathers will also be more stylish and several will be quite long and will arch over. They will also start to crow! Post some pics as Cinnamon suggests. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted January 21, 2008 Share Posted January 21, 2008 If they've been dumped then the people may already know they are boys! Here's a girl and boy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lenphy Posted January 22, 2008 Author Share Posted January 22, 2008 Thank you all for your replies. Looking at the hen and cockerel pictures I am almost certain they are both cockerels. I will when I am at home in the daylight take some pictures for posting. Regards Len Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Looking at the hen and cockerel pictures I am almost certain they are both cockerels. I had a feeling you might say something along those lines! What a cheek.....dumping them on you like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
feemcg Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 What a cheek - unfortunately it happens quite a lot. I've read several stories like this on Practical Poultry. Also, after one of the big poultry sales in Carlisle there were cockerels dumped all along the A68 to Newcastle - people had bought trios just to get the 2 hens then dumped the boys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 Good Lord! Am Speechless! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted January 22, 2008 Share Posted January 22, 2008 - how cruel, the poor things will not be used to looking after themselves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
