Can tails be used as an indicator of gender in *younger* chicks?

[magicpigeon]

I bought three straight run Barter Black (Australorp x RIR) chicks last weekend. From what I gather they all look like girls, seeing as they had the smallest combs and the thinnest legs however I've just realsied one doesn't have a tail. Normally this wouldn't bug me so much but this one is also the bravest and friendliest

I don't have great pics , I'll try to take more pics tomorrow

They are about 2-3 weeks, too young I know

Just if anyone else has used this method and how successful it is?
Thanks

 

[Chick1043]

I have noticed it's mostly the pullets that get tail feathers first. But then again I've had cockerels that grow their tail feathers first too.

 

[becky3086]

Way too early to tell.

 

[Chick1043]

I don't think its "way" to early to tell.

 

[nurse_turtle]

Not knowing if they all hatched on the same day, the tail is of no use is guessing gender. Even if they hatch 1 to 2 days apart, it will make a huge difference in feather development early on.

 

[magicpigeon]

Quote:
I did mention

They all hatched on the same day, however there were more in the pen with significantly larger combs. I guess I'm just gettin' paranoid