[leddenton]

I have 2 18wk old girls but my black rock/maran is huge and has massive feet.My chicken friend came over today and says she thinks she may be a cockrel!She has developed a ruff of neck feathers which she says is like her cockrel's.I can't post pics as don't know how. any advise much appreciated

[Foghorn-Leghorn]

It really does vary, from the last clutch of chicks I hatched, one of the cockerels started begining to make noises at 8 weeks old!  Some are closer to 16 weeks old... but you can get the odd late developer.

I'm sure more experienced chicken keepers will be along to advise soon...

[bantam novice]

I'm no expert but from what I have read they can start crowing from about 8 weeks.  If they are girls they could be starting to lay from about d 20 - 22 weeks so you may not have to wait long to make sure.  Good luck and keep us posted  
Foghorn-leghorn your fast fingers beat me to it!

[leddenton]

Thanks for advise. will keep you posted,fingers crossed she is a girl as is so friendly,would hate to not be able to rehome her if she is a he!

[Casey76]

I've found that Marans generaly crow quite early (by nine or 10 weeks), and that you can easily tell them apart from the girls by their combs and wattles, and by their feathers at that time.

Having said that, I have two brahma boys who are approaching 35 weeks, and they haven't uttered a sound yet!