Feather sexing SLW's

[muddipuppy]

Can you feather sex SLW's as day old chicks?

 

[CelticMoon1]

Quote:
I've heard people claim this but haven't tried myself - I'm wondering if it's dependent on lines or if all should be able to be feather sexed. Am hatching a batch in 6 weeks and will definately try!

 

[RAREROO]

It may be dependent on lines but when I ordered my sex SLWs from a hatcher, they were feather sexable, the females feathered out faster than the males, same with the Buff Orps.

 

[hinkjc]

In order for them to be feather sexable, they have to be bred for it. For instance, you would breed a fast feathering roo to slow feathering hens. Hatcheries do this for some breeds. Breeders typically do not.

 

[CelticMoon1]

Quote:
Oh shucks - back to vent sexing then...

 

[jossanne]

I had a GLW that was the slowest-feathering, biggest chick in my bunch of rainbow layers from McMurray. It stood very much like a little roo, and I decided early on that it was a roo. It was a seriously ugly, un-feathered 6 week old when the rest of the pullets were sleek and pretty. She turned out to be one of my prettiest hens. I wouldn't count on being able to feather sex them at all.