Is it a rooster or a hen? It's about 7 weeks old.
Definitely a rooster
>>2139924
What are the differences between a rooster and a hen at this age?
Let me understand, you got the hen, the chicken and the rooster. The rooster goes with the chicken. So, who's having sex with the hen?
>>2139921
Ignore that idiot. There's no way to tell from this photo if that is a hen or a rooster. What breed is it? One of the better ways to tell is with a side view so we can see the tail feathers. Also, if you have another of the same age and breed, it might help to see them side-by-side. The chicken's behavior among others is usually the best indicator. Also, throw a pillow or some other object past it, overhead. The hens will usually cower while the males will often stand up to challenge the "other bird" that has buzzed it.
>>2139930
Black Australorp. Here's a side view
>>2139937
Seeing him next to that barred rock hen would lead me to believe it's a cockeral. Barred rocks get large combs and if hers isn't showing yet and the australorp has a noticeable comb and wattle then it's probably a male. Pic related my roo started getting his comb way earlier than the girls. At the time of this photo he got his full comb and was crowing (poorly).
Is this a chicken thread? Id like to start a hen house to get my own eggs what will I need?
>>2139947
At what age do they start crowing?
>>2139937
BIG
BLACK
AUSTRALOP
COCKAREL
>>2139937
The bird also has a more aggressive/proud stance. Leaning toward cockerel, although I would have expected longer tailfeathers at this age.
Check the saddle feathers. They might be pointy even at this young age. Pointy saddle feathers = cockerel.