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

[newmarch2014]

Pointed saddle feathers don't come in until after about 10 weeks.

I thought she said it was 5 mos old? Whoops my bad sorry. ADD is a terrible disease.

 

[summerb123]

it sucks no lie @newmarch2014

 

[amytomaz]

6-8 weeks old approximately... thoughts? last one def looks like roo and hoping by looks the first 3 might be pullets? first pic is an OE

 

[junebuggena]

6-8 weeks old approximately... thoughts? last one def looks like roo and hoping by looks the first 3 might be pullets? first pic is an OE

First is a bit suspicious, but not for sure yet. The second and third look like pullets. The fourth is definitely male.

 

[amanda1]

Peepers is just about 8 weeks old now. I am not seeing extra large legs, only seems to be one row of "bumps" on the comb, I am not good at differentiating tail carriage/shape, and not seeing any pointed feathers. My only concern is the pink comb. A few weeks ago it was more white, but would pinker when Peepers was active. I am guessing that is what is called "blushing". I'm really hoping for a female EE this time! Any guesses?

 

[summerb123]

Peepers is just about 8 weeks old now. I am not seeing extra large legs, only seems to be one row of "bumps" on the comb, I am not good at differentiating tail carriage/shape, and not seeing any pointed feathers. My only concern is the pink comb. A few weeks ago it was more white, but would pinker when Peepers was active. I am guessing that is what is called "blushing". I'm really hoping for a female EE this time! Any guesses?

Peepers is a Pullet

 

[amanda1]

One more mention, this is my second attempt at a female EE. They both seem extremely scared of being held by humans. Is this common with EEs? I have been handling Peepers daily, doing my best to go slow and gentle, but it almost seems the fear has become worse. I wish there were some way I could help this bird understand I care for it and mean it no harm!

 

[junebuggena]

Peepers is just about 8 weeks old now. I am not seeing extra large legs, only seems to be one row of "bumps" on the comb, I am not good at differentiating tail carriage/shape, and not seeing any pointed feathers. My only concern is the pink comb. A few weeks ago it was more white, but would pinker when Peepers was active. I am guessing that is what is called "blushing". I'm really hoping for a female EE this time! Any guesses?

Pullet.

 

[junebuggena]

One more mention, this is my second attempt at a female EE. They both seem extremely scared of being held by humans. Is this common with EEs? I have been handling Peepers daily, doing my best to go slow and gentle, but it almost seems the fear has become worse. I wish there were some way I could help this bird understand I care for it and mean it no harm!

It's an age thing. They are at the age where everything want's to eat them, and they know it. Plus, it's a time when they are still fairly small, but mother hens aren't protecting them any longer. They instinctively avoid anything that might be a potential predator. As they mature, they will settle down. It just takes a lot of time and patience. Most chickens do not want to be picked up and handled, even if hand-raised and handled daily. Lap chickens are not a common occurrence. For now, just let them get used to you. Don't reach or grab for them. Just sit, and relax. Enjoy being near them and build that trust. Let them come up to you, but do not try to touch. As they get used to you, you can start offering treats out of your hand (don't do this every time you are with them, though). Then you can start gently stroking their chest. When they are comfortable with that, reach your hand under their belly and lift them. If you reach over their heads, you will trigger their instinct to get away. Always go under, not over.

 

[summerb123]

It's an age thing. They are at the age where everything want's to eat them, and they know it. Plus, it's a time when they are still fairly small, but mother hens aren't protecting them any longer. They instinctively avoid anything that might be a potential predator. As they mature, they will settle down. It just takes a lot of time and patience. Most chickens do not want to be picked up and handled, even if hand-raised and handled daily. Lap chickens are not a common occurrence. For now, just let them get used to you. Don't reach or grab for them. Just sit, and relax. Enjoy being near them and build that trust. Let them come up to you, but do not try to touch. As they get used to you, you can start offering treats out of your hand (don't do this every time you are with them, though). Then you can start gently stroking their chest. When they are comfortable with that, reach your hand under their belly and lift them. If you reach over their heads, you will trigger their instinct to get away. Always go under, not over.

I have a lap chicken or 2