Determining the sex of chickens can be tricky for backyard chicken keepers, especially with barred rock chickens. Barred rock hens and roosters look very similar as chicks and juveniles. However, there are some key physical traits and behaviors that can help you decipher which of your barred rocks are cockerels (young males) and which are pullets (young females). Being able to sex your chickens is important for proper flock management. This article will go over the different ways you can tell if your barred rock is a male or female.
Appearance Differences Between Barred Rock Hens and Roosters
There are some subtle but noticeable differences in the physical appearance of barred rock hens and roosters. Here are some of the traits to look for:
Combs and Wattles
Roosters develop larger combs and wattles at an earlier age than hens. The combs and wattles of roosters also tend to be brighter red.
| Trait | Rooster | Hen |
|---|---|---|
| Comb Size | Large, upright comb | Smaller comb that flops over |
| Wattle Size | Large, pendulous wattle | Smaller, neat wattle |
Tail Feathers
Roosters will develop long, pointed saddle and hackle feathers on the tail as they mature. Hens have rounded, flat tail feathers.
| Trait | Rooster | Hen |
|---|---|---|
| Tail Feathers | Long, pointed | Short, rounded |
Leg Spurs
Roosters develop pointed spurs on their legs starting at around 3-5 months old. Hens do not have leg spurs.
Behavioral Differences
In addition to physical features, there are some clear behavioral distinctions between barred rock roosters and hens:
Crowing
The most obvious behavioral identifier is crowing. Roosters begin crowing around 5-7 months of age. The crow starts off uneven, developing into the classic “cock-a-doodle-doo” over time. Hens are unable to crow.
Strutting
Roosters will adopt a puffed-up strut, with tail feathers fanned out, when asserting dominance or courting hens. Hens do not strut in this manner.
Aggression
As they reach sexual maturity, roosters will become more aggressive and territorial. They will fight with other roosters and may also attack hens. Mature hens very rarely act aggressive.
| Behavior | Rooster | Hen |
|---|---|---|
| Crowing | Yes | No |
| Strutting | Yes | No |
| Aggression | High | Low |
How to Accurately Sex Chicks
Identifying the sex of newly hatched barred rock chicks can be difficult even for experienced chicken keepers. Here are some methods you can use:
Vent Sexing
Looking at the genitalia is the most reliable way to determine a chick’s gender from hatching. This takes some practice and should only be done by experienced handlers.
– Roosters have a small bulb on the vent area.
– Hens have a flat vent with a tiny slit.
Feather Sexing
Looking at the wing feathers can give clues about a chick’s sex starting around 1-2 weeks old.
– Roosters will have pointed, longer feathers.
– Hens will have rounded, shorter feathers.
Comb Growth
From about 2 weeks onward, observe comb growth.
– Roosters will develop combs earlier and faster than hens.
Behavior
Behavioral cues emerge when chicks are around 4-8 weeks old.
– Rooster chicks tend to act more bold, curious, and aggressive than hen chicks of the same age.
Crowing
Crowing doesn’t happen until chickens are around 5-7 months old. But some roosters may attempt crows earlier than that, starting as young as 12 weeks. Any crowing is a guaranteed identifier of a rooster.
| Method | When Detectable |
|---|---|
| Vent Sexing | Day 1 hatching |
| Feather Sexing | 1-2 weeks |
| Comb Growth | 2 weeks onward |
| Behavior | 4-8 weeks |
| Crowing | 12+ weeks |
Getting an accurate vent or feather sexing early on can prevent you from investing time and resources into rooster chicks that you don’t want.
When to Expect Sexual Maturity
Knowing when your barred rocks will reach adolescence can help you identify their sex in time. Here’s what to expect:
Pullets
– Combs and wattles start growing around 2 months
– Begin laying eggs around 5-7 months
– Mature weight around 6-7 lbs
Cockerels
– Combs and wattles start growing as early as 2-3 weeks
– Crowing starts around 5-7 months
– Mature weight around 8-9 lbs
Monitor for comb growth, aggression, and crowing starting at 2-3 months old. By 6 months old, you should be able to definitively identify any cockerels.
Dealing with Unwanted Roosters
Once you’ve identified excess roosters in your flock, you’ll need to decide how to manage them. Here are some options:
Rehoming
Find a new home for roosters through:
– Friends
– Neighbors
– Online chicken forums
– Local farm animal shelters
Keeping Separate
Roosters can be kept in a separate pen or coop away from hens. But they will need:
– Adequate space
– Enrichment
– Extra food for mobility
Culling
As a last resort, excess roosters may need to be humanely culled. Methods include:
– Cervical dislocation
– Captive bolt gun
– Carbon dioxide gas
Prevent excess roosters next season by buying female-only chicks from a hatchery, or incubating fertile eggs vent-sexed as female.
Conclusion
Identifying the sex of barred rock chickens can take some careful observation and detective work. Look for differences in comb growth, feathering, aggression levels, and crowing between your flock members. Chicks can be accurately sexed from hatching onwards. Focus your attention on differentiating cockerels from pullets starting at 2-3 months old. Use humane methods to manage any unwanted roosters that arise. With practice, you’ll be able to confidently determine the sex of your barred rocks. Let them show their unique personalities, and enjoy your flock!
