Can the feathering on BO chicks...

[SterlingAcres]

be used as any indication of gender? They're a week old, give or take a day.

I've got some with gorgeous wing feathering like this...

And I've got a few with patchy wings like this...

I was just wondering, I know it's probably too soon to tell.

Wishful thinking and all...

 

[steffpeck]

I am guessing the first one is a Rooster and the 2nd one is a pullet. Here is a link......

http://animalsciences.missouri.edu/reprod/ReproTech/Feathersex/sld006.htm


Does the chick in the 2nd picture have longer tail feathers??

 

[SterlingAcres]

Yeah, I think that particular chick had longer tail feathers... but I've found the ones that have more even fuller feathered wings are also getting tail feathers in. They don't have the 'puffs' like some of the patchy winged chicks...

 

[hinkjc]

Shellie, they can be wing sexed if they are bred for it. Mine aren't..sorry. I know hatcheries breed for it..you have to use a fast feathering over slow feathering to be able to tell gender this way.

Jody

 

[SterlingAcres]

Quote:
No biggie. I just noticed that some were feathering in faster than others, I wasn't so much concerned about the shape of the wings.
On a side note, I can't believe how fast they're growing. They're like 4 times the size of my EEs.

I LOVE THEM!

 

[hinkjc]

They do grow fast, don't they. I am glad you like them. I will say that "most" of the pullets feather faster, however it is not a definite. I hope most of your babies are looking like pullets.

Jody

 

[SterlingAcres]

Quote:
Ooh me too.

But I am hoping for some freezer meat... so I need a few roos. LOL