Roosters, male chickens, are also called cockerels.
After chickens are about a month old, the differences between the males and females become apparent, and very obvious as the chickens continue to mature. Roosters have several distinctive characteristics and are usually larger. The behavior of a chicken also varies dramatically depending on its gender. While sexing newly hatched chicks requires experience, anybody can determine whether a mature chicken is a rooster or a hen.
Instructions
1. Examine the bird's face. Roosters have much larger combs, the red top to their heads, and wattles, the red flaps below their face. On a rooster, the comb, in particular, is usually at least the same size as the head; on a hen it is much smaller.
2. Examine the tail feathers. The roosters of most breeds of chickens have long, showy, curled-over tail feathers. Those of hens are shorter and upright.
3. Watch and listen to the birds. Both male and female chickens are vocal but only roosters crow. A rooster may appear to be leading a group of chickens, often looking for food and calling the hens over when he finds something. Two chickens fighting furiously are almost certainly both roosters, although hens sometimes peck each other.
4. Look at the bird's feet. Roosters have spurs. These look like sharp extra claws extruding from the back of the bird's feet about an inch or so up from the ground. Roosters use their spurs for protection and for fighting. Some chicken owners get their vet to remove the spurs when the birds are young. However, all the other distinguishing characteristics of roosters should leave you in no doubt as to their gender.
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