[Maddie]

Could you please advise me.
I have 4 female buff Orpingtons from a very good breeder .

A couple of people have mentioned that one of them looks like a rooster.

One (see photo) is much larger than the other three, but very friendly. 10 months old, does not crow, has small stumped like spurs. I haven't seen her lay, but two of the other birds aren't laying either.

I really cannot have a male , but so far the jury seems to be out whether she is male or a large female.

I have also just bought another 4 Orpingtons that are separated just now!!

[the great composto]

That picture is definately a rooster!

[jaykay]

Yep, that's a cockerel 

It happens, I'm quite experienced at breeding chooks, but once sold 4x14 week old Wyandotte pullets to a lady, who informed me later that one of those turned out to be a cockerel. Oops.

You could try contacting the breeder to swap him?

[the great composto]

I haven't seen her lay

only being mischievous but i suggest if it does lay it may be of scientific interest

It does look like a lovely bird though.

[Bionic]

Maddie, it looks a lovely bird, why is it that you cannot have a male?
Usually most people have the problem because of the crowing but as yours isn't crowing then that won't matter.
Sally

[jaykay]

But I expect he will in due course - he's just a youngster at the moment. Wait til spring!

[Sylvia]

He'll roast up lovely

[deepinthewoods]

he is a beauty!

[plumseverywhere]

Gorgeous! shame you can't keep him then, he's lovely!!

[HesterF]

He's lovely! I've just lost my buff cockerel who looked very similar and also had never crowed. Keith at Keith's Orpingtons in Berks (with lots of beautiful birds - does lots of hatching eggs if you do want more with risk of cockerels) reckoned Orpingtons are often late to crow and he's definitely come across some that never did.

None of my hens have laid yet so I'm glad to hear they're not the only slow ones (re. your other hens, not him!),

H

[chrismahon]

We had a Buff Orpington cockerel that was nearly silent in his crowing, despite straining with all his might. A quiet cockerel is a rare thing best kept. He will keep order and not eat that much Maddie. Sure if you don't want him plenty of others will. All ours have crowed (or attempted to) by 27 weeks.


Noticed his feet are either dirty, or showing Scaly Leg mite attack. Very painful condition for them so please check. Benzole Benzoate is the correct treatment. Heard soaking in vegetable oil works (suffocates them) but any other treatment is 'quack' medicine. Avoid the ludicrous suggestion often heard of using WD40. One hen I read was treated with it and screamed in agony (and kept screaming) until it was washed off!

[Maddie]

Thanks everyone and I will treat his feet...

At least I have established he is a rooster! Very pretty and friendly!

The reason that I cannot keep him if he crows is that although I have a large garden I am in a residential area with one set of particularly difficult neighbours.

I have contacted the breeder and she will pay back, but I really like the Orpingtons and it is frustrating when I have paid for delivery etc..

I think I will keep him just now but he will have to go if he starts crowing..
Would anyone like a beautiful cockerel!!

[deepinthewoods]

he is lovely, you may well be able to rehome him, but i should keep your fingers crossed that he is a quiet fella, at least wait until you actually get a complaint before rehousing (or roasting) him.

[Maddie]

Hi

My Rooster (buff Orpington) has now started crowing, because I live in a residential area I can't keep him.
is there anyone that could give him a good home please.

Kind regards
Alison

[Chris H]

Do you ever get across to Skye? I have three young Buff girls who would love him