ISA Brown Hen vs Rooster: How to Tell the Difference
ISA Browns are one of the most popular hybrid chicken breeds for backyard flocks, prized for their calm temperament and prolific egg laying. But when you first bring chicks home—or even raise them to a few weeks old—you might wonder: Do I have a hen or a rooster? Understanding the differences between an ISA Brown hen and rooster is crucial, especially if you’re focused on egg production or live in a no-rooster zone.
Quick Answer: ISA Brown Hen vs Rooster
ISA Brown hens are smaller, lay brown eggs, and have more uniform coloring. Roosters are larger, stand more upright, and have brighter red combs and wattles. They may also start crowing by 8–12 weeks of age. Hens are generally quiet and gentle, while roosters may become more dominant and vocal as they mature.
Let’s break down the differences more clearly so you can confidently identify your ISA Browns.
Comparison Chart: ISA Brown Hen vs Rooster
| Trait | Rooster | Hen |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger and heavier, upright stance | Smaller and more horizontal build |
| Comb & Wattles | Bigger, redder, more prominent | Smaller, paler comb and wattles |
| Coloration | Can be slightly lighter with white patches | Richer, more uniform reddish-brown |
| Feather Shape | Pointed hackle and saddle feathers | Rounded, smooth feathers |
| Voice | Crows, louder and more dominant | Clucks softly, especially near laying |
| Behavior | May show dominance, mount hens | Docile, focused on foraging and nesting |
| Egg Laying | Does not lay eggs | Produces 300–350 brown eggs/year |
1. Size and Body Posture
ISA Brown roosters are generally taller, heavier, and have a more upright posture compared to hens. They develop broader shoulders and more muscular frames. In contrast, hens appear sleeker, with a horizontal stance and rounded body, particularly noticeable as they begin laying.
2. Comb and Wattles
Roosters have much more prominent combs and wattles. These features start enlarging and turning red around 6–8 weeks of age. Hens also have combs and wattles, but they remain smaller and don’t develop as quickly.
Pro tip: If you see a bird with a large, red comb by 7 weeks, it’s likely a cockerel (young rooster).
3. Color and Feather Differences
ISA Brown hens typically sport a uniform reddish-brown color with white-tipped tail feathers. Roosters, on the other hand, may appear lighter or show white patches on their wings, tail, or neck. Additionally, feather shape helps:
- Roosters: Hackle (neck) and saddle (back near tail) feathers are long and pointed.
- Hens: Feathers are rounder and softer in appearance.
4. Behavior and Temperament
Behavior is another strong indicator, especially after 8 weeks:
- Roosters: May become more assertive, engage in mock sparring, or begin mounting behaviors.
- Hens: Display foraging behavior, start showing nesting interest around 18–20 weeks.
ISA Brown roosters are not typically aggressive, but they are noticeably more dominant than hens.
5. Crowing vs Clucking
Crowing is a clear sign you’ve got a rooster. ISA Brown roosters can begin crowing as early as 8–10 weeks, though some take longer. Hens will never crow—they cluck softly, especially near laying time or when startled.
6. Laying Habits
ISA Brown hens are egg-laying powerhouses. They usually begin laying between 16 and 20 weeks of age, producing 5–7 brown eggs per week. If your bird is laying eggs, it’s 100% a hen.
Roosters, of course, do not lay eggs and may become more interested in hens as they approach sexual maturity around 5 months old.
When Can You Tell ISA Brown Gender for Sure?
By 10 to 12 weeks, most backyard chicken keepers can identify ISA Brown cockerels and pullets (young hens). Comb size, crowing, and posture are the most reliable indicators. If you’re raising chicks from a hatchery, they may already be sexed—ISA Browns are often sex-linked, meaning their color patterns at hatch can indicate gender. However, with crossbreeds or uncertain sources, observation is key.
Managing Roosters in Your Flock
If you end up with one or more ISA Brown roosters, here are a few things to consider:
- Check local laws: Some areas don’t allow roosters due to noise ordinances.
- Balance your ratio: Aim for 1 rooster per 8–10 hens to prevent over-mating.
- Separate if needed: Create a bachelor coop if your rooster is causing stress or injury.
- Rehoming: Local farms or backyard keepers may be open to taking in extra roosters.
Want to Build the Perfect Coop for ISA Browns?
Whether you’ve got hens, roosters, or a mixed flock, the right setup makes all the difference. Don’t spend hundreds on store-bought coops. Download these expert DIY plans and build your own predator-proof, weather-resistant chicken housing with ease.
The plans also include composting systems, rainwater catchment, solar setups, and fencing ideas perfect for homesteading and backyard flocks.
Keep Your ISA Browns Healthy the Natural Way
ISA Browns are hardy, but even they face issues like parasites, digestive upsets, or stress-induced laying problems. That’s why having The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies on hand is a must.
This guide is packed with over 200+ natural, science-backed remedies for both chickens and humans. It covers how to boost immunity, heal wounds, balance nutrition, and more—without relying on costly meds.
Grab your copy now and keep your flock thriving naturally.
Conclusion
Telling the difference between an ISA Brown hen and rooster gets easier with time. Look for signs like comb development, body size, posture, feather shape, and vocalizations. By 10–12 weeks, most traits are apparent, and by 16–20 weeks, hens will begin laying—removing all doubt.
Whether you’re raising ISA Browns for eggs, companionship, or self-sufficiency, knowing their gender early helps you plan ahead, build the right coop, and maintain harmony in your flock.
- The Doctor’s Book of Survival Home Remedies – Heal your flock and family naturally
- DIY Chicken Coop & Homesteading Plans – Build your dream setup with ease
Raise smarter. Build better. Thrive naturally—with the power of knowledge and preparation.