[chocchicken]

hi all,
my three rhode rocks are 16 weeks old now, and one of them, the biggest one has gone really red around the face and wobbly bits under chin really big and red and wobbly!!
she keeps making noise, and when i go near she comes up to me making more noise.

i wondered if she might be coming into lay, or if she's hungry?

they free range most of day and always have growers pellets available.

any suggestions? or is she just growing up? bless her!

[Aunt Sally]

Yes, coming in to lay...  but you MUST feed them on layers pellets NOT growers.

You'll have big problems with soft shells if they have growers as there is not enough calcium in them.  Make sure they have extra oyster shell available too as they free range.

[grumpydad]

the wattles and combs go red to tell the cockerel that they are ready to have the eggs fertilised....if you know what i mean...lol...
she is growing up, when she starts to crouch down, open her wings a little and flutter, then she is squatting and wont be long before she lays.

martyn

[chocchicken]

oohh how exciting! thanks for replys.

i wasnt going to swap to layers pellets until they were about 18weeks,
even though the other two arent acting the same and faces still pale pink, shall i swap now to layers?

[Caralou]

Yes swap to layers now. The other two wont be too far behind. I swap at 14 weeks as that when they are fully integrated with the adults and all are fit and well.

[PJM]

Alternatively, is the biggest chicken, that is acting different, making noises and has bright red wattles and comb, going to be a handsome Rooster?

[chocchicken]

i really really hope not, as he would have to go!

[dizzylizzie]

maybe a photo would help
think ive got myself a boy also
fingers crossed eh?

[chocchicken]

have taken a great pic but cant upload it, apparently too big!

[dizzylizzie]

i put mine on photo bucket if thats any help

[dizzylizzie]

or you could google cokerels of the same age and have a look