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

[sweetbeak]

If it has green legs, it is an EE, because it would not meet the US standard for the breed.  I think there are differences between Araucana & Ameraucanas in the US and Australia and England (?), but I'm not sure what they are.  If the chicken is older than 7-8 weeks, I would say it's a pullet with that small, pale comb.

Thanks, she has grey legs and is 8 weeks old today

 

[sweetbeak]

Thanks, she has grey legs and is 8 weeks old today

Here is another photo where you can see her legs, they're almost black

 

[LadyCluck77]

Here is another photo where you can see her legs, they're almost black

That appears to be a black Americauna pullet. The folks on the BBS Americauna thread may be able to tell you for sure. Were you planning to show, or is she more of a general purpose hen?

 

[sweetbeak]

That appears to be a black Americauna pullet. The folks on the BBS Americauna thread may be able to tell you for sure. Were you planning to show, or is she more of a general purpose hen?

She is just a general purpose hen, I have 16 in total of all different varieties. They free range across about 2 acres throughout my orchards, very lucky girls

 

[Faraday40]

Here is another photo where you can see her legs, they're almost black

SHE looks pretty. I like how the black birds get an iridescent shine in the sun.

 

[Melnurse]

Puzzled about my EE. She's been a regular blue egg layer from week 19 to about age 6 months and then, BOOM, nothing. Not one egg in over 6-8 weeks. I checked her for egg binding (nope, she's fine and happy). I have three other girls (2 buff Orpingtons and a Wyandotte) who are still laying regularly daily. No change in diet, they get grit and oyster shell, fruit/veggie peels/leftovers, etc. I give them dried meal worms for treats, some yogurt weekly, I've fermented their food a few days a month, etc. She's happy, healthy, active, vocal, etc. Anyone have any suggestions? Do I have a hen for a pet now?
She's in the middle here

 

[sharol]

Puzzled about my EE. She's been a regular blue egg layer from week 19 to about age 6 months and then, BOOM, nothing. Not one egg in over 6-8 weeks. I checked her for egg binding (nope, she's fine and happy). I have three other girls (2 buff Orpingtons and a Wyandotte) who are still laying regularly daily. No change in diet, they get grit and oyster shell, fruit/veggie peels/leftovers, etc. I give them dried meal worms for treats, some yogurt weekly, I've fermented their food a few days a month, etc. She's happy, healthy, active, vocal, etc. Anyone have any suggestions? Do I have a hen for a pet now?
She's in the middle here

 

[chrisnjenny]

Perfect! my little pullet looks identical to this and I wasn't sure what she was! Thanks guys!
@LadyCluck77
& @sweetbeak

 

[taffers]

taffers, sadly, the second one is indeed a cockerel. At the very least, you should get a refund from the hatchery. Faraday gave good advice about contacting neighbors and locking the crower in at night (maybe the garage?). This time of year, finding new homes for cockerels is tough. Finding someone who will take them to put a meal on the table might not be so tough. Just want you to be prepared. Good luck to you!

I'm not opposed to someone eating them, as I eat chicken too, I just can't do it myself! We weren't even able to find that! My husband finally found some bird sanctuary that will take them so I'm very happy about that. Still very upset that I won't be getting any blue/green eggs unless I buy another chick, which I'm not willing to do at this point since I'm worried about properly integrating her with my flock.

Quote:I'm sort of in the same boat. I ordered 8 EE pullets, 4 died within two days and then two of the remaining four turned out to be roosters. Sorry you got two roosters. Good luck rehoming them!

I'm sorry- that's awful!! I can't believe 4 died!! I had one Orpington die on day 2, and I was traumatized! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Melnurse]

Thanks Sharol, that makes some sense, I suppose. I'm hoping that molting doesn't occur yet, as we're entering into the cold months and they'll be COLD if they have nothing to keep them warm. I hadn't planned on eating my girls (I don't eat meat, but love their eggs), and will go so far as to say that when they all stop laying in a few years, I'll still keep 'em around, but I sure miss that one blue egg in the mix. Purely a visual and the ONLY reason I decided on an EE (although like most amateurs, we asked for an Ameracauna and received her (Paulette the spaz). Appreciate your reply so much!