How many weeks?? German Hamps

JoeP

In the Brooder
10 Years
Aug 2, 2009
50
1
31
Eastern Massachusetts
Hello everyone. I know posting photos of the chicks would obviously help and I'm trying to get that accomplished. I had some chicks arrive today. The breeder thought they were hatched Feb 28th but she has had multiple hatches after that date. That would make them 6 weeks tomorrow. But looking at these chicks I don't think they are that old. Hopefully I can describe them and you guys can possibly help me until I work out the photo posting issue. There are small combs showing but they are pale in color. No redness or waddles showing. The chicks body appears to be fully feathered except they all have one thing in common- while they are all lined up feeding in the brooder I can see that they all are just starting to grow back feathers. Between their wings I can see their back. The skin looks somewhat dark and there are darker pin feathers starting to show. None of those feathers have popped open yet. Just dark pins. Would that one description help on deciding the approximate age? I was told these chicks are not sexed. So I'm assuming at least one of them must be a cockerel. Wouldn't redness and waddles be showing at 6 weeks? Thanks for any help you can provide.
 
They do sound like about 6 weeks. They might just be starting to redden in the combs at that age, you should be able to tell by 2-3 month.
 
They do sound like about 6 weeks. They might just be starting to redden in the combs at that age, you should be able to tell by 2-3 month.


Thanks for the reply. Maybe they are 6 weeks old. I've looked at pics of 6 week old chicks and they look a little more advanced than mine. My chicks still have the down type feathering on their heads. The photos at 6 weeks look like they actually have feathering on the head. I know it's difficult without a photo. But I will keep my eyes on them and see if the combs start to redden up soon. Right now they are just yellowish.
 
The down stays on the head until about 10-12 weeks. Most chicks are considered fully feathered around 8-12 weeks old. Some take longer, usually roosters.
 

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