The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: clumbaboy on August 10, 2010, 07:47:57 pm

Title: Suspect cockerel
Post by: clumbaboy on August 10, 2010, 07:47:57 pm

Hi everyone,
               I was wondering if anyone could identify this breed and if it is a cockerel, it was purchased with another chook as point of lay, I know the other one is as it has laid an egg and is a different breed to this one, would like to know if this is a cockerel, it does not behave like one and is the same size and build as my light Sussex hen, any help is appreciated before it ends up in the pot.  :chook: :wave:

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: CameronS on August 10, 2010, 07:55:56 pm

i think it looks like a male, maybe a white sussex   ???

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: doganjo on August 10, 2010, 08:30:33 pm

I'm not convinced.  CAn't see any spurs adn the comb isn't big.  A light sussex has a black fringe round it's shoulders - is a white sussex a different breed, Cameron?

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: jameslindsay on August 10, 2010, 08:38:15 pm

I'm not convinced either Annie but wouldn't be too surprised if told it was hen or cockerel. Sorry we are no help to you. :-\

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: CameronS on August 10, 2010, 08:38:56 pm

A white Sussex is a different breed yes, basically a light Sussex with out the black(i think   ;), and is further up on the rare list

 my conclusion of male came from the slightly curly tail feathers (just visable in the pic)

i was convinced i had a female, then months down the line (and no eggs) it started crowing, i wouldn't make any decisions until you know for sure, things can change/develop in the upcoming weeks

I love these "What am i posts" get some good conversations and debates  ;D  ;D

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: doganjo on August 10, 2010, 08:40:39 pm

The tail was one of the reasons I thought its a hen - big sort of bulge over the back end?

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: clumbaboy on August 10, 2010, 08:46:15 pm

thanks for the info so far, it came with another hen same markings but smaller build and no big tail feathers, this may be coincidence as they were sold as two pol white pullets, may not even be the same breed. :chook: :wave: it has no sign at all of any spurs, and runs away from any of the other hens.

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: sheardale on August 10, 2010, 11:06:37 pm

Lovely looking bird anyway, whatever it is       

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: Fleecewife on August 11, 2010, 12:16:02 am

Tail doesn't look cocky, head looks henny, but I had one like that which one morning crowed loudly and started jumping on the hens  :D

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: Cobra on August 11, 2010, 03:42:24 am

Have a look at the feathers on the neck, if there rounded at the ends, it can indicate hen if there more pointed then cockral.

Best I can do, old ways teh best so they say; no its not gaurented, but quite reliable.

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: Hardfeather on August 11, 2010, 06:55:16 am

I'd say it's a cockerel. It seems to have saddle hackles.

Title: Re: Suspect cockerel
Post by: DJ_Chook on August 11, 2010, 01:08:15 pm

Quote from: AengusOg on August 11, 2010, 06:55:16 am

I'd say it's a cockerel. It seems to have saddle hackles.

I agree with you. I see pointy feathers on the saddle.