A Lakenvelder pullet dines al fresco with a Buff Orpington cockerel.
The Orpingtons are the largest chickens we have, but they are a very docile breed. So maybe that's why they always pick the smallest pullets to be their bestest girls.
The Lakenvelder is not a bantam (which I can't help but think of as a "toy" chicken), she is just a member of a very small breed.
They are also a very aggravating breed. They keep trying to lay their eggs in secret places known only to chickens. I didn't realize it until we found a nest in the woods with about 20 of their eggs in it.
We emptied it, which was probably a mistake since we haven't been able to find their current favorite spot. (When I was searching the woods the other day I realized I was humming that U2 song: "Still haven't found what I'm looking for...")
Anyway, the two chickens in the picture are exactly the same age (8 months).
For the non-chicken-savvy:
Female chicken less than one year old: pullet
Female chicken more than one year old: hen
Male chicken less than one year old: cockerel
Male chicken more than one year old: rooster
We have 23 chicks about 7 weeks old - how can we tell the pullets from the cockerels? I think we have 4 or 5 cockerels, but not sure yet...They are suppose to be Old Dutch Buff.. We have built a nice 8 bedroom house and a large play area. A lot of work, but so far we have enjoyed the little girls and guys.
ReplyDeleteSorry I didn't answer this sooner.
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with that breed, but usually the cockerels will start to gain weight faster. Their combs will get bigger too.
Certain breeds will have color variations, but many are exactly the same for males and females.
If they start crowing, you know they're males, LOL.