feather sexing

[kelsey]

hey. i was wondering if anyone knew how to feather sex chickens. im looking for a buff orpington rooster and the feed store i get my chicks from only have straight run. i have looked onb the internet and understand it somewhat but if anyone has any more info on it that would be great. i would just buy 5 or 6 but i already have 6 hens and one mystery chick that appears to be a hen,and the space im going to be keeping them in isnt big enough for much more than ten chickens. thanks for any help

 

[galanie]

They have to be bred for it before it will work dependably but I'd try anyway. The problem though is, it has to be done by the time they are 3 days old. After that you won't be able to tell. I looked at mine on day 1 and day 2 and I think day 2 is probably best. You're looking for a double layer of feathers on the part at the wing tips sort of like lilili - thats hen, then roo will have all the same length feathers.