How can I tell a Roo

[Zowie]

Hi...We were supposed to have gotten 18 female chicks from the hatchery and most have a little bump on their leg above where the thumb comes out....Could we have gotten so many Roo's or is this normal for female chicks...They are going on 4 weeks old. Thanks for your help.

 

[LittleChickenLady]

I know that it is possible for hens to get spurs, but I don't know about getting them that early. I'd be suspicious too.

Someone should come along and give you better advice.
Hope you have mostly girls.

 

[Zowie]

I hope so to I don't need 18 Roo's...opfully someone can post pic's of these bumps and confirm that they have females..

 

[LittleChickenLady]

It might also help to know what breed you bought.

 

[Zowie]

A bunch....! 1Jersey giant 2 Barredrocks 3 Rhode island reds 3 Ameraucana 2 Wellsummers 1Delaware 1newhampshire 1 orpington 2 silver and 2 golden laced Wyandottes..And most have these?Hope it's just a chick thing...Don't think a hatchery could get so many wrong..

 

[LittleChickenLady]

I just read that all chickens get spur bumps, just like guys have nipples too.

Do you have any pictures of them?


ETA: Barred rocks can usually be sexed by their coloring. Boys tend to be more white.

 

[Zowie]

Our Rocks are mostly black..

 

[LittleChickenLady]

Then they're probably girls.
Here's a link to a thread with pictures of the difference: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=482587
It's the very last picture on the first page.

 

[Kassaundra]

Quote:
x2

 

[<3ChickenForever]

Oh of course the hens get spurs. Rhode Island reds get pretty big spurs but not as big as a roosters. I have a golden laced wyandotte chick too hahha

! You can also tell if they are females by looking at their tail feathers, if their tail feathers grow in at around 1-3 weeks it is most likely a hen because hens tend to get their tail feathers earlier than roo's.

and

!!!!