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

[bruceha2000]

 

[MedSchlFarmers]

Good news, I separated the cockerels and pullets after posting pictures for gender confirmation a few days ago and all is well! I put the silkie, and 2 girls with my 4 babies (that are 2 weeks and 2 days younger). They are all good friends now, no issues other than a little separation anxiety for the first few hours, whew! Meanwhile, I think the cockerels are mad at me. They are going back to the breeder this weekend. I have a chance to pick up 3 other Easter Eggers as a trade for the 4 cockerels Im returning. They are not sexed. They will be roughly 2.5 weeks when I look at them. Any tips to hopefully grab gals and leave any boys behind? We can't keep roosters.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Good news, I separated the cockerels and pullets after posting pictures for gender confirmation a few days ago and all is well! I put the silkie, and 2 girls with my 4 babies (that are 2 weeks and 2 days younger). They are all good friends now, no issues other than a little separation anxiety for the first few hours, whew! Meanwhile, I think the cockerels are mad at me. They are going back to the breeder this weekend. I have a chance to pick up 3 other Easter Eggers as a trade for the 4 cockerels Im returning. They are not sexed. They will be roughly 2.5 weeks when I look at them. Any tips to hopefully grab gals and leave any boys behind? We can't keep roosters.

Go back and look at the pics you posted. See how the cockerel combs differ from pullets. Try to pick chicks that look like they have pullet combs. One single low ridge down the center. Nothing puffy, bumpy, or fat looking.

Look at the legs. Pullets generally have slender legs compared to males, but it's relative and not 100%.

Males also tend to feather out more slowly. Don't pick the ones that have more fluffy chick down.

So I would look for the chicks with more feathering, small narrow combs, and slender legs.

 

[junebuggena]

Go back and look at the pics you posted. See how the cockerel combs differ from pullets. Try to pick chicks that look like they have pullet combs. One single low ridge down the center. Nothing puffy, bumpy, or fat looking.

Look at the legs. Pullets generally have slender legs compared to males, but it's relative and not 100%.

Males also tend to feather out more slowly. Don't pick the ones that have more fluffy chick down.

So I would look for the chicks with more feathering, small narrow combs, and slender legs.

Choosing chicks based on the amount of feathering can back-fire on you with Easter Eggers. My boys feather in a bit faster than most of my girls have.

 

[MedSchlFarmers]

Fingers crossed. I'll likely be going tomorrow or Sunday. Of the 4 Easter Eggers I had from this hatch, the boys are feathering much slower, but the two that are similar colors feathered in at about the same rate and one is likely cockerel and one likely pullet. The combs are significantly different though. Can't wait to see them! I'll post pics after I get them.

 

[Saris]

Fingers crossed. I'll likely be going tomorrow or Sunday. Of the 4 Easter Eggers I had from this hatch, the boys are feathering much slower, but the two that are similar colors feathered in at about the same rate and one is likely cockerel and one likely pullet. The combs are significantly different though. Can't wait to see them! I'll post pics after I get them.

If you have a smartphone or tablet you could try and upload pics before you take them home.

 

[bbhorsefly]

Go back and look at the pics you posted.  See how the cockerel combs differ from pullets.  Try to pick chicks that look like they have pullet combs.  One single low ridge down the center.  Nothing puffy, bumpy, or fat looking. 

Look at the legs.  Pullets generally have slender legs compared to males, but it's relative and not 100%.

Males also tend to feather out more slowly.  Don't pick the ones that have more fluffy chick down.

So I would look for the chicks with more feathering, small narrow combs, and slender legs.

These three have all been true for the EEs I've had, too!

 

[MedSchlFarmers]

Thanks! I do have a smartphone, so I may do that and hope someone is online when I'm there. Hoping it is as obvious as my first 4 (3 cockerels and 1 pullet). We shall see!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Thanks! I do have a smartphone, so I may do that and hope someone is online when I'm there. Hoping it is as obvious as my first 4 (3 cockerels and 1 pullet). We shall see!

You know what to look for now! I'll check in tomorrow if I can. Any idea what time you are going?

 

[MedSchlFarmers]

Thanks! When I know, I'll post. Still waiting to confirm with breeder's schedule