Easter Egger Sexing "tips and tricks" *Pictures Included*

[junebuggena]

The cockerels that avoid people, and maintain a respectful distance are the ones that I keep around. It's a good thing. You don't want him to 'warm' up to you. It means that he will not be likely to ever see humans as something to attack. He will eventually develop the instincts for watching over the flock. In fact, he is already demonstrating his skills. He hangs back and keeps an eye on things, while the girls go about their business. Roosters aren't exactly for 'protection', as in they aren't going to go charging after a threat to the flock. They are the sentinels, keeping watch over the hens while they forage, and sounding the alarm when they need to take cover.

 

[Leebeez]

The cockerels that avoid people, and maintain a respectful distance are the ones that I keep around. It's a good thing. You don't want him to 'warm' up to you. It means that he will not be likely to ever see humans as something to attack. He will eventually develop the instincts for watching over the flock. In fact, he is already demonstrating his skills. He hangs back and keeps an eye on things, while the girls go about their business. Roosters aren't exactly for 'protection', as in they aren't going to go charging after a threat to the flock. They are the sentinels, keeping watch over the hens while they forage, and sounding the alarm when they need to take cover.

This is great news and thank you for such a wonderful explanation. I should stop making fun of my Farty Marty... he might prove to be perfect. Thanks.

 

[cinorb]

Are you worried?  They are pullets.     Cockerels are usually pretty obvious by 14 weeks. 

I was over analyzing their different tail feathers yesterday when I was taking pictures!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Quote:
My first EE experience was with 2 sexed pullets. One was not. Found this thread and saw that I could have known earlier than I thought. Been trying to help out ever since.


It's much easier to tell when you have something to compare.

Same age pullet and cockerel. His bright pink comb stands out. They were around 7-8 wks.


Dark red cockerel pattern was there.


Raspberry pink cockerel comb.


Here is RuPaul closer to 14 wks. No doubt he's a male.

Your girls would probably have some thin pointed saddle feathers by now if they were boys.

 

[cinorb]

My first EE experience was with 2 sexed pullets. One was not. Found this thread and saw that I could have known earlier than I thought. Been trying to help out ever since. It's much easier to tell when you have something to compare. Same age pullet and cockerel. His bright pink comb stands out. They were around 7-8 wks. Dark red cockerel pattern was there. Raspberry pink cockerel comb. Here is RuPaul closer to 14 wks. No doubt he's a male. Your girls would probably have some thin pointed saddle feathers by now if they were boys.

I love the Easter Eggers. I have only had chickens for a year now and was given Easter Eggers in the beginning and they have always been good layers for me.

 

[Pansy Hollow]

Mr. Fluffles, Blossom and Chestnut


Chestnut, 10 weeks


Mr. Fluffles, 8 weeks

Blossom, 8 weeks


Blossom 8 weeks


Mr. Fluffles, 8 weeks.
So these are my three `ameraucanas'. I have read quite a bit of this thread and *think* that Chestnut is a pullet, with red coming through on her wings, but in a pattern. I think Mr. Fluffles gets his black from a black parent, but I think he is a cockerel because of how his feathering came in, and how he acts. I think Blossom is a cockerel with the black and red feathering that is random and that usually means male. Both Mr. Fluffles and Blossom square off with each other with neck feathers raised, they also square of to others in the same way, but no other pullet does this (except my 5 week old FBCMarans). They both pay attention to the FBCMarans that I am leaning towards being a cockerel as well. Do you think I have a pullet and 2 cockerels as well?

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Mr. Fluffles and Blossom are both cockerels, I'm not sure on Chestnut but I think "she" is a pullet.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Yes, Chestnut looks like a pullet to me too.

 

[bruceha2000]

Been stalking this thread for a while. So appreciative of all the pictures and advice from all the experts. As for my question:

Farty Marty or Batty Betty???? 7 week old EE. Specifically chosen (out of 5 other sexed EE pullets from hatchery) because he had an even coloring and no "red/orange" on wings as a chick, two of the others had red on shoulders... but I'm guessing now that chick coloring doesn't matter.

**(Im sure some of you might not want to read my ramblings... in that case just scroll down and see the pics of my suspected roo)

I have had my suspicions from the very beginning. From day two, this chick was different from the rest of the ten I had. It would alarm-peep EVERY time I handled it, even at a few days old. All the others would snuggle and sleep or contentedly explore around me... but not Farty Marty (or Batty Betty?). This chick is a chicken, pun intended. Now at almost 7 weeks, while all it's flock mates fight over space on my shoulder or lap, this dude (dudette?) will sit in the far corner and give me the stink eye. Not even a fist full of mealworms will make this stinker warm up to me (even waiting still as a statue... he will take one half step toward me, eye my evil hand and turn tail and run). Jumpy, aloof and flighty, this guy (gal) freaks at every movement, sound and flutter and runs away.

What I am seeing:
-uneven blotches of color on shoulders and back (although he is only black and white no red/orange)
-larger/redder comb
-stocky legs

Tell me I am right that this is a roo so I can stop second guessing myself (buuuut they said red on the shoulders = roo.... so this must be a pullet....?)



the last pic is for color comparison of combs as I know cameras can throw off the color (also, this is the signature look I get from him (her?) most of the time)

As I said, he is a booger to get a good pic of. I have more if needed.

Thank you for your help and patience with all of us newbies.

The black and white cockerels don't get the red wing patches. But non uniform color pattern, large white patches on the wings and red comb at that age sure look like a cockerel.

 

[Pansy Hollow]

Thanks, I was pretty sure, but still didn't want to believe. Just bad luck, I picked out 2 `ameraucanas'(easter eggers) and one white rock that day, and both easter eggers are cockerels

I know we will have to rehome them, but we love all of our `girls', and my daughter will be very disappointed.