🟢 PLEASE READ! Helpful Tips For ID! 🟢

[3KillerBs]

Great advice!

Thanks. I find it hard to see the small, new male saddles on some colors -- especially in photos, so that's what I've been doing with my flock and I figured it would work for others.

 

[GermanKennhuhn]

Tip when looking at the saddles and hackles on solid black, solid white, and deceptively-patterned birds.

Put your hand or a piece of paper under the feathers so that you can see their true shape:

View attachment 3163753

That’s a great idea!

 

[Painted Calls]

Thanks. I find it hard to see the small, new male saddles on some colors -- especially in photos, so that's what I've been doing with my flock and I figured it would work for others.

Would be especially helpful for sexing through pics on the forum as well!

 

[3KillerBs]

Would be especially helpful for sexing through pics on the forum as well!

Especially when the photos aren't as clear as we wish they were -- because healthy, active chickens don't hold still for photos.

 

[Painted Calls]

Especially when the photos aren't as clear as we wish they were -- because healthy, active chickens don't hold still for photos.

I mean... my chickens did and do. But yes, not everyone has an easy time of it.

 

[3KillerBs]

I mean... my chickens did and do. But yes, not everyone has an easy time of it.

Mine almost never pose.

I don't consider them especially skittish, but they have scratching to do and bugs to catch.

 

[Tonyroo]

Just read this, well written and informative post for the community. Good job @Overo Mare .

 

[Serotonin]

How early is too early to start figuring out a chick's breed and sex? Mine are almost 4 weeks old and I'm not sure if their feathers and builds are developed enough to tell yet. I got a mystery assortment from TSC that comes with a long list of possibilities, so I don't even know where to begin.

 

[Painted Calls]

How early is too early to start figuring out a chick's breed and sex? Mine are almost 4 weeks old and I'm not sure if their feathers and builds are developed enough to tell yet. I got a mystery assortment from TSC that comes with a long list of possibilities, so I don't even know where to begin.

We generally recommend 6 weeks.

 

[Serotonin]

We generally recommend 6 weeks.

Thanks for the info! I won't bother for another few weeks then.