Yes, yes it did just crow. Okay, let's say you got chicks from Farm Supply, a Hatchery, or a Friend. They promised the chicks are sexed and female. Well, sometimes males end up in the bunch. You might one day be like me and say, "Wait, what was that sound from the coop?!" So, let me share my experience of finding out I have a cockrel (young rooster) among the girls. This covers April 2022 (chick) to November 2022 (cockrel).
My rooster is a Lavender Orpington and his name is Clark. I was determined to get a couple of Lavender Orpingtons (I love lavender and they do too ironically). The Friday they arrived at Farm Supply in Paso Robles, I rushed to get these chicks within an hour of arrival. Upon the Farm Supply employee putting one in the box, I noticed it was a rather tall chick, but I just figured it was maybe a big eater. Haha.
After getting the two Lavenders home, I noticed Clark (although he had a female name for some time) was definitely bigger than his "sister," Lucy. I also noticed he hated being picked up more than his sister. Clark just seemed more dominant and difficult. I don't know if these were early indicators of a male as many times you will notice a braver female chick in the bunch. Chicks also don't like being held, but need to be for future handling. I didn't really think much of it, but observed.
As Clark and Lucy developed, I noticed he was definitely bigger, taller than his sister. He developed his comb early. Again, I just thought he was going to be a bigger hen as I have Buff Orpington hens that are different sizes. I didn't think too much of it, but I did have the quick thought he was a cockrel.
Then one day I heard a sound. It was not like a hen and hard to describe, but I will try. It sounded like "Uhhh-awww". It was hilarious and sounded like a sad attempt at a crow. A flag went up at this point.
After a week or two of weird sounds from this little fluff, I heard the actual crow. That clear, crisp sound confirmed everything...I had a little roo. I was troubled at first as it wasn't planned, but I felt that if I had him, maybe I was meant to have him. Maybe, just maybe, I was supposed to raise my own chicks in this weird time we live in. One thing I did know is that I did not want a jerk of a rooster, so I immediately began holding him daily. Petting him. He hated it (still does). After a few minutes of cuddling, he would drop his tension and close his eyes and take it in.
There were a few times in the mornings that Clark would come out of the coop with a little more confidence than I needed. I watched a homesteading video on handling a rooster. So, I tried the method I didn't want to, but I knew I needed to teach Clark who was in charge. You carefully grab a rooster (I'd say pick up, but it's not easy to nicely pick them up) and gently push the rooster with your hands on the ground for about 30 seconds. This sort of action is similar to mating. It's weird, but does the trick in teaching a rooster who is boss.
I'd say that in August (got in late April), that he began his mating with the hens. It was tough. I didn't enjoy it (still don't). It's life though.
At this time, I began to check on the hens for too much feather loss, or cuts. My poor Emma, who was previously bullied (removed the bullies), had many of her feathers taken off her back. Due to the lack of feathers, she ended up with some gashes from Clark. I had to doctor her wounds and keep her inside in a dog kennel for a week. I got her a hen saddle and it is amazing in protecting my hen. I recommend this one, as it's a stronger fabric than some out there. Just yesterday, I peaked underneath the saddle and Emma's feathers are fully growing back! Thank God!
As of today, I still have a rooster (technically a cockrel) and I am learning. Clark does crow quite a bit (it's not just a sunrise thing), but it doesn't bother us. Physically, he has gotten more filled out with feathers and now has spurs coming in on his legs, which I wasn't sure would happen. We love Clark and still give him cuddles when he gets a little grumpy (or territorial).
Speaking of territorial, Clark is very protective of the hens. I will pick them up and he watches me like a hawk. He starts pecking around the ground near me to cover his stares, haha. But roosters are known to protect hens from predators. I haven't put that to the test as there is a red tailed hawk that perches on an oak about 50 yards away.
Another interesting benefit of roosters, is they can bust up the pecking order and bullying. Clark is starting to take top spot of the pecking order and I'm not sure Judy is good with it.
Will I continue with a rooster, I take it day by day with him. I will say that roosters get a bad rap and deserve more chances (maybe more time put in,which not everyone has). That being said, each breed is different and Orpington roosters have better temperament than other breeds.
One note to finish is that if you decide to keep a rooster, check your local laws as some cities do not allow roosters due to noise (understandable). Also, keep in mind your neighbors. If you live in the city, that might be a toughy.
Update Feb 2023: I still have Clark and his protectiveness and dominance is kicking in more. He is at the top of the pecking order. He isn't mean to the hens, but will remind them of his spot if needed.
That being said, I have some battle wounds. I'm being dramatic, but Clark is more aggressive with me. Sometimes I'm too close to him, or he doesn't like the white bucket of feed (threatening I guess). So, I've been pecked on the hand, kicked with his spurs, and the last time he came from behind and spurred me bad to the point my leg ached for hours with a huge bruise. The last time was enough for me so I got a pink towel and used it to catch him. I then cuddled him, but also put him in an empty raised bed with a chicken wire cover. He definitely deflated a bit. The following days I started to go into the chicken run with the pink towel on my shoulder and Clark remembered it and avoids me. If I'm feeding the chickens by hand, he will come over and gently eat from my hand. So, we'll see if the pink towel will continue to protect me. The most important thing is to show him my dominance and remind him that I'm actually at the top of the order.
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