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

[LindsayB]

What do y'all think about this one. Supposed to be a pullet but really worrying me. I made a new thread but no responses, thought I might get more here. Shes around 5 weeks and her name is Jewels! I have more pics and info in the other thread.

 

[jshreck]

Wow. What a super informative and helpful thread but I'm totally overwhelmed. I have 3 EE (at least that's what I was told they are) chicks- they were supposed to be pullets, but I have my doubts about these two in particular: Please help.

Squeaks - is 3 weeks old, has always sounded sort of hoarse and this morning did what I can only describe as a crow (she stood straight up and made a sound I have never heard any of my other chickens (4x6 wk BR pullets; 1x1 wk RIR and 2 other 3 wk EE-- the only other chickens I've ever owned) make) Now I know hens can crow too but the "crow" and the coloring- I guess you would call Squeak black and white but I consider it more black and yellow (what the heck do I know about chickens though) Nevertheless there always seems to be exceptions to the coloring rules and trying to figure it all out has my head spinning. This chicken truly is a chicken and is terrified of everything though- one point for pullet I suppose? So in the end I have a hunch (roo) and a hope (pullet), but I have no idea-- I understand 3 weeks is a little too early to be certain either way but I could really use some more educated guesses than my own...




Jett- also 3 week old Easter Egger (so I was told....) I really have no idea what to call Jett- roo or pullet. The most easy going of the 4 younger ones but the tail has me a little worried about it being a roo....

 

[chickenoverlord]

Both look like pullets, and you chick might have been yawning. First time I saw it happen, I freaked out, lol.

 

[debid]

I have EEs that growl and squeak rather than clucking but your Squeaks has a splotch of brick red coming in right at the wing bow. I predict you'll see more as the wing finishes feathering. Sorry if it's not the news you want but I'd put money on boy even though I usually hesitate to say until they're nearly done feathering.

I don't think Jet is an EE at all. Maybe Jersey Giant and nothing masculine shows yet. You'll need to wait until 8 weeks to know -- single combs generally give the gender away by them.

 

[my sunwolf]

What do y'all think about this one. Supposed to be a pullet but really worrying me. I made a new thread but no responses, thought I might get more here. Shes around 5 weeks and her name is Jewels! I have more pics and info in the other thread.

Don't stress too much about this one, I am almost sure she is a pullet because of that salmon breast.

 

[debid]

Yep, everything about Jewels is feminine.

 

[LindsayB]

I hope your right, she's definitely my favorite and the most friendly. I would hate to have to get rid of her.

 

[my sunwolf]

Wow. What a super informative and helpful thread but I'm totally overwhelmed. I have 3 EE (at least that's what I was told they are) chicks- they were supposed to be pullets, but I have my doubts about these two in particular: Please help.

Squeaks - is 3 weeks old, has always sounded sort of hoarse and this morning did what I can only describe as a crow (she stood straight up and made a sound I have never heard any of my other chickens (4x6 wk BR pullets; 1x1 wk RIR and 2 other 3 wk EE-- the only other chickens I've ever owned) make) Now I know hens can crow too but the "crow" and the coloring- I guess you would call Squeak black and white but I consider it more black and yellow (what the heck do I know about chickens though) Nevertheless there always seems to be exceptions to the coloring rules and trying to figure it all out has my head spinning. This chicken truly is a chicken and is terrified of everything though- one point for pullet I suppose? So in the end I have a hunch (roo) and a hope (pullet), but I have no idea-- I understand 3 weeks is a little too early to be certain either way but I could really use some more educated guesses than my own...




Jett- also 3 week old Easter Egger (so I was told....) I really have no idea what to call Jett- roo or pullet. The most easy going of the 4 younger ones but the tail has me a little worried about it being a roo....

I agree with debid, I'd be worried about the red I see coming in on Squeaks' wing. That sound is just a chick noise, not crowing yet--that will come later. The very blonde heads are often roosters

And I also agree that Jett does not look like an EE at all (I have some like Jett but they have pea combs and Jett appears to have a single comb plus none of the other characteristics). No gender indications yet, which could mean pullet or could mean slow developing cockerel. 5 weeks you may have an idea, and 8 weeks old it should become much clearer. Jett could be an Australorp as well. What color are the bottoms of the feet?

 

[jshreck]

Thank you all so much for your help!!! This site is full of wonderful people who are so eager to pass on their knowledge, it's really refreshing and comforting when you know next to nothing!!

Oy! All I wanted were some blue and green colored eggs

We live in the country and have 36 acres so I'm not in a situation where I can't keep a rooster and if Squeaks does turn out to be a roo he can stay so long as he has a good attitude- I was honestly on the fence about having one but opted to not intentionally get one for exactly this reason **surprise**

The bottom of Jett's feet are yellow, I'm fairly certian. I've only held her upsidown a few times and not paid too much attention but I think I would have mentally noted something other than yellowish (and of course I'm at work now so I can't check.) What would feet colors indicate? I just read a bit about the jersey giant and the australorp-they sound like pretty big birds. But both friendly, good laying, cold hardy which were my only real requirements-- well egg laying as long as she is a she

 

[chickenoverlord]

Jersey giants are the largest breed of chicken (weight wise) and they have yellow shanks and toes (chicken talk for feet and legs XD). Australorps are smaller and faster maturing, and have slate gray-black shanks and toes (depending on whether they are show quality or not)