Does size have anything to do with sex?

[MuranoFarms]

I have 2 sets of Marans like this. Here's the first set, all 3 were hatched on the same day but one is so much smaller! Is this any indication of what sex they are, or is something wrong with my little runts?

 

[chickenlover54]

Idk why your little one is so small but the bigger ones are roos nevermind they are hens
edited for decision change

 

[Lensters]

From me experience with Marans from the 4-8 week old time frame the hens are slightly larger than the roos, though the roos hit a growth spurt and pass them up shortly after that. However, this would not explain such a dramatic size difference or their difference in body type.

Were these purchased hatching eggs? I have a very small, tailless self-blue "Marans" from some eggs I purchased on EggBid. They were actually some of the darkest Marans eggs I have purchased (4s and 5s). In my case it is obvious that an EE or Araucana roo got in with the Marans hens and I have an Olive Egger on my hands. With yours, I'm guessing you have a cross breed too, but that is just a guess from what I've seen.

 

[LarryPQ]

oh...the title had me all---nevermind *whew*

 

[chickenlover54]

thanks alot, I didn't read it that way until you had to point it out LOL

 

[ArizonaDesertChicks]

The difference is way too great for it to just be male/female size differences. The size difference is usually very subtle at that age and your taller chicks look like they might be pullets. They look to be about 6 weeks old and the combs are still small and no wattle growth yet.

Could the little one be a bantam Marans? Is there such a thing as runts in the chicken world?

 

[MuranoFarms]

Quote:
Ha ha ha! Me too! lol...sorry about that. All 6 were hatched in the day or so around X-mas. The first 3 were marked Blue maran, Here's teh other 3 for comparison. there were marked Black Copper maran

I just don't get why 1 is small out of each group! All my other chicks are growing at comparable rates (per breed) just these guys are different.

 

[chickenlover54]

Sorry but those are all boys (BCM)

 

[Teach97]

runts happen...might it be because the others are out competing the little ones for food

 

[MuranoFarms]

They were slightly smaller when they hatched, I just thought they'd catch up by now! I was worried that they weren't getting enough to eat, so I feed them separately several times a day. There is plenty of food in there though. I found their baby picture. You can tell the one in the middle is slightly smaller....not by too much though.

3 roo's huh? It's a good thing I set more yesterday!