9 days old and im certain is a cockerel!

[FrankHomestead]

I hatched out 4 American Bresse chicks and this one has legs much thicker than the other 3 and he also stands erect a lot more than the others. I'm 99% sure this is a cockerel. Opinions?

 

[featheredplanets]

I have no experience with that breed but unless it’s a breed that can be sexed at hatch, I’d say it’s way too young to tell. I think sex guesses can be made six weeks and onwards. I personally don’t believe in cockerel behaviour (even if it’s fact) because they each have a personality like we do... sorry for the slight rant but that’s my opinion

 

[FrankHomestead]

Thanks guys! I did feather sex them at 2 days old and my results were 1 cockerel 3 pullets...but I have no idea if my birds came from a line that can be feather sexed so...it was pretty much just for fun lol

 

[Folly's place]

Frank, I tend to agree with you. I have no experience with this breed, but often cockerels will have thicker legs and be more upright. See how the chicks develop, and hope for updates!!!
Mary

 

[FrankHomestead]

Thanks Mary! I will definitely update you guys!

 

[The Moonshiner]

Don’t know the breed but if they are one to five days old. Look at the tip of wing feather see if they’re straight across or one long one short. It called feather sexing. You can lookup on you tube. Find it to be very accurate on the matter. Good luck

Feather sexing only works when you cross a fast feathering breed male with a slow feathering breed female.
Can't feather sex purebreds of any kind.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I totally agree that you cannot feather sex a chick unless the parents are set up for it genetically as Moonshiner said. That's a myth in here that just will not die.

Most chicks cannot be sexed at hatch by appearance or anything else except for the sex links. But occasionally I hatch one that I am sure it is a cockerel from the time it dries off. Heavier legs, posture, and attitude. You can tell they are ready to challenge the world. I can't be sure from a photo but you are probably right. That does not mean the others are all pullets however. Being able to tell that young is really rare.

 

[red horse ranch]

I'm not familiar with the breed either but I've hatched hundreds of chicks and sometimes I've picked out roosters at one week old. If you have the feeling that it is a rooster... it probably is!

 

[Ridgerunner]

All my birds are pure lineage Orpingtons and was able to feather sex them all to 100% accuracy.

Could you please explain the science behind how that worked?

 

[The Moonshiner]

All my birds are pure lineage Orpingtons and was able to feather sex them all to 100% accuracy.

Sounds like either you or your birds have a gift that defies science then.
Great for you.