Omlet cube and run

[BenHelen]

Our beautiful Millefleur 'hens' have turned into Cockerels!!!!!

 

We have to get rid of them now, causing too much noise. So we don't end up in this boat again, as we need 2 more hens to replace the boys, is there a quick and easy way to tell the difference?

 

Edited August 5, 2010 by Guest

[Isabel]

I don't know but I have, today, taken 2 Pekin 'girls' back .. both were boys. We got them 3 wks ago when they were 10 and 12w old ... one started to crow after 2 days, the other started crowing only a couple of days ago. The second turning out to be a boy did it for us ... we couldn't keep both! Sorry this has happened to you also!

[Egluntyne]

In general, cockerels tend to have a more upright stance, better developed combs and wattles, pointy hackle feathers, chunkier legs, a more flamboyant tail and saddle feathers that sweep over.

 

All these characteristics develop at different stages, so the best thing to do is look at lots of websites and pictures of that particular breed at different ages to get an idea.

 

In some breeds the colouring is markedly different.

[Jools]

The best way to make sure you get pullets and not cockerals is to buy from a reputable breeder who knows what they're doing. It's a little underhand to sell youngsters before you're certain of their sex IMHO.

[Blue-DiamondChick07]

Think one of my 'Hens' was crowing earlier it'll have to go back if so what is it with Bantams?

[Isabel]

When we took our girl-boys back today, the breeder was really apologetic. It's their first year breeding Pekins and they say that next year they won't be letting them go so young. At least they were honest about their mistake.

[BenHelen]

We are gutted as they are stunning to look at, and a good laugh in the garden. I think next time we will have to wait until we find some older birds before we commit to buying them, that way we can be sure what they are.

 

PS......anyone know any breeders in the Northants/Reading area?