2 Questions

[jprice2ndlt]

1. At what age does a mother ween her chicks?

2. At what age can you start to tell a rooster from a pullet?

 

[Ridgerunner]

1. At what age does a mother ween her chicks?

It varies, partly on your conditions and partly on the hen herself. In warmer weather wherethe chicks can makeit on their own, the hen will ween them earlier than in a rough climate. And some hens will leave their chicks at a younger age than others. It depends on how strong the broody instinct is. It is rare, but she might even leave them before they can fully function on their own. Some leave them as early as 2 weeks but 4 weeks seems to be more normal.

2. At what age can you start to tell a rooster from a pullet?

Again, it varies, mainly on breed and somewhat on your experience. Don't count on behavioral clues as they can be misleading. Look for physical clues. At about 6 weeks I had no trouble telling the difference in my sussex, delawares were a week later. At 8 weeks, I still can't tell the sex of my orpingtons. They are all looking like pullets and with 7 straight run, I don't think that is likely.