2 Week Old Chicks - Tail Feathers

[k9lin]

Hi -

I incubated some Australorp, EE's and SLW (eggs from My Pet Chicken) eggs, and they hatched a little over two weeks ago. The chicks are healthy, but I have some questions regarding possible roos or pullets. There are 6 Australorps - some of them still have "fuzzy butts", with very little feather growth. Some have definite feather growth, and these chicks are significantly larger than the others. Both of the EE's have tail feathers, and one of the SLW still has a fuzzy butt, while the other has tail feathers. Can you tell, at this age, from the growth of tail feathers what sex they are?

Thanks

 

[Emmalion]

I don't know for sure but I can tell you my SLW mix Roo? took forever to get tail feathers when the other girls grew them a week before he/she did.

I'm guessing hes a roo because of his comb and ginormous feet

They are 3 weeks old already where has all the time gone?

 

[k9lin]

Hmmmmm.... thanks. All of their feet look the same to me (but I'm certainly not that experienced).
I'll just wait it out a few more weeks.

 

[miraclz5]

Our chicks are 2 1/2 week old straight run from a private breeder and we are seeing distinct differences like you described...however, we are not ready to make any definite judgement calls. We have our suspicions...characteristics combined with disposition/temperment, but not counting anyone in or out yet! We are just hoping and praying for more pullets than cockerals! LOL Hopefully Murphy's Law will kick in and the fact that I got WAY more than I want, will ensure more hens....whereas if I had gotten the exact number I want...I would end up with mostly cockerals....LOL we shall see in a few short weeks!!! Good Luck!!!