The young chickens have grown so much! The two Buff Orpington’s are now so large and fluffy; but we have a cheeky suspicion that they are cockerels. Because they are so young there hasn’t been any serious fighting that would give us a good indicator of their gender however, there are other signs to look out for in telling the sex. Orpington’s are known for being a ‘gentle giant’ but we have noticed them bossing around the hens and occasionally charging at each other! We are waiting to hear a cockerel call to determine their sex for sure. However, I have noticed pointing of the saddle feathers and long, thin hackle feathers (feathers around the neck) which is a male trait. Older roosters will also have spurs and tend to have larger and redder combs than hens. Unfortunately, if they are cockerels we will have to give them away, so let us know if anyone would be interested.
A note for everyone passing the chickens however, is that
two foxes have been spotted sneaking around the coop eyeing the chickens up.
Please let Growhampton know if you see them again and make sure they go away!
We are checking they are locked up before it becomes dark outside to keep them
safe.
Make it your New Year’s Resolution to do some chicken volunteering!
Contact Eva: zoubeke@roehampton.ac.uk
Im Daisy, if you have any questions please email: pinnd@roehampton.ac.uk
(above are the Buff Orpingtons's)
