Correct Me If I'm Wrong: Wing Development

[Aunt Angus]

Hi. Got me a couple of cute little Leghorns from TSC yesterday afternoon (3 days old, maybe?). One's wing feathers are longer than the other's. Shorter feathers can sometimes = a fella, yes? I think I've read that in a few places. Does that ring true? And does that apply to Leghorns?

I'm fine with a cockerel at this point. I have enough hens for 2. I just want to raise this one differently than I did my other rooster to try and avoid another jerk.

Chick #1 - longer wing feathers (you can see the tips extend out towards its posterior)

Chick #2 - shorter wing feathers

 

[Aunt Angus]

And my wrist looks huuuuuuuuuge! Whoa.

 

[TheOddOneOut]

I don’t believe wing growth means anything for these chicks

 

[Aunt Angus]

I don’t believe wing growth means anything for these chicks

Ok. I wasn't sure. Thanks!

It's been a while since I've brooded inside. My worry is that I'll end up with a cockerel who is too coddled. I gave a rooster now who LOVED me as a youngster who now tries to kill me. General BYC consensus is that he lost his respect for me. If I have a potential fella in this pairing, I'd rather be more hands off.

And since Leghorns are usually skittish, I would like to handle any pullets frequently to make them a lil friendlier, hopefully.

 

[Painted Calls]

I don’t believe wing growth means anything for these chicks

X 2

 

[Aunt Angus]

New question, since I've got a couple of experts here: Any idea when sex will be evident? I know Leghorn cockerels develop pretty quickly.

 

[Painted Calls]

New question, since I've got a couple of experts here: Any idea when sex will be evident? I know Leghorn cockerels develop pretty quickly.

From a hatchery, you should be quite close to certain by 6 weeks. Post updated pics then!

 

[Karasu]

New question, since I've got a couple of experts here: Any idea when sex will be evident? I know Leghorn cockerels develop pretty quickly.

I've been all but certain on 4-week old Leghorns. They do develop quite quickly. Maybe 5 to 6 weeks to be safe.

 

[Aunt Angus]

From a hatchery, you should be quite close to certain by 6 weeks. Post updated pics then!

Y'all are the best! Will do!

I kinda hope I've got a boy. My DH would kill me for purposely bringing home a cockerel, but a "whoops - the hatchery got it wrong" cockerel would make it not my fault, right?

 

[Karasu]

Y'all are the best! Will do!

I kinda hope I've got a boy. My DH would kill me for purposely bringing home a cockerel, but a "whoops - the hatchery got it wrong" cockerel would make it not my fault, right?

I hope for that every chick season. My TSC doesn't carry males in some of the breeds I'd prefer roosters from. It made my day when I got an accidental Plymouth Rock rooster last year.