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

[Finnie]

Chicks develop at different rates. The male traits in an EE are usually obvious by 8 weeks. If a male trait shows up earlier (like Goldie's black breast) it just means that the other things, like his comb, are still developing.

For hatchery EEs, you can often sex by comb shape at an early age, but I use it more to confirm other traits I am seeing, like feather coloring. If the colors on the wings look splotchy or in patches, especially red patches, it's probably a male. Comb shape can confirm that.

I'm quoting some old posts below so you can see the difference between male and female combs. You can often tell a male comb before it begins to turn pink. I added explanations within the quotes. Click on the quotes to see.










Compare these to your chicks and you will probably be able to sex them yourself. I cannot see combs clearly enough in your pics to do it online.
Any doubts, wait a week and post again. I really hope you keep us updated. I want to see how they turn out.

This is an awesome tutorial with photos! Thank you for digging up the old posts and bringing them forward. I think if we could quote this post every once in a while, it will really help people who are searching. I’m going to bookmark this page in my chicken genetics folder so I can always find it.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

What do you need a better picture of? The combs? Based on those pictures, I am really leaning towards 3 roos.

Yes, close up focused pics of the combs, similar to those I quoted. Also, standing side views really help see the colors. It's easier if you have help... someone to hold while you get pics. Stand them up on a table or perch for side views. They will usually give you a few seconds of stillness in a new setting.

I'm curious how old these were when you bought them and if there were a lot left in the bin. EEs seem to have a lower success rate in sexing accuracy. The only accidental cockerels I've ever gotten were EEs. Hatcheries claim 90% accuracy for most breeds, but only 80% for my favorite EEs!

 

[bruceha2000]

The only accidental cockerel I ever got was a Barnevelder. 39 chicks total, 8 of them EEs, 5 still living.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

The only accidental cockerel I ever got was a Barnevelder. 39 chicks total, 8 of them EEs, 5 still living.

How old are they, Bruce?
Do Barnevelders have pea combs too?

 

[Harmoni]

Yes, close up focused pics of the combs, similar to those I quoted. Also, standing side views really help see the colors. It's easier if you have help... someone to hold while you get pics. Stand them up on a table or perch for side views. They will usually give you a few seconds of stillness in a new setting.

I'm curious how old these were when you bought them and if there were a lot left in the bin. EEs seem to have a lower success rate in sexing accuracy. The only accidental cockerels I've ever gotten were EEs. Hatcheries claim 90% accuracy for most breeds, but only 80% for my favorite EEs!

They were about a week old when I got them based on the beginning of feathers and there were about 40 chicks or so in there.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

They were about a week old when I got them based on the beginning of feathers and there were about 40 chicks or so in there.

I still think you are going to have to wait a couple more weeks to be sure. Post next week.

 

[Harmoni]

I will. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[bruceha2000]

How old are they, Bruce?
Do Barnevelders have pea combs too?

The Barnevelders age?
The cockerel was given to people I knew from the Farmer's Market after he kept attacking the hen that raised his 2017 group when he was about 5 months old. I had the hen in the broody buster and when I let her out she about landed on him. Apparently he thought she was attacking him and they went at it a couple of times in the barn alley, I had to break them up. After that when they were out ranging he would randomly decide to run across the yard to attack her. When he ripped the back of her neck open he had to go, this was clearly not breeding activity. He didn't stay with the other chickens at the new place, a coon got him within 2 days. Definitely a less chicken secure "farm".

The hen was doing fine then mysteriously died a year ago. A couple of days earlier I had to kick a Exchequer Leghorn (a 'sibling' no less) off her. I don't know if she attacked the Barnevelder again or nor. I didn't see any trauma marks. On the other hand it didn't look like she dropped where she stood like those I've lost to fatty liver. She was in an area under a small tree between the barns where the girls like to hang out. Looked like she was in a sleeping position.

Single comb on Barnevelders.

 

[AmeliaBedelia]

Thoughts? 7.5 weeks, maybe 8. Comb is not red at all, but the dangly feathers by the tail have me worried. They don't look pointy to me though, so maybe this is a weird developmental stage?

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Thoughts? 7.5 weeks, maybe 8. Comb is not red at all, but the dangly feathers by the tail have me worried. They don't look pointy to me though, so maybe this is a weird developmental stage?

View attachment 2601353View attachment 2601355

Too young for saddle feathers yet.
The comb looks male and the patchy red coloring looks male as well.
Would be great if you could update in a week and let us know.