How early can you tell?

[michickenwrangler]

I have 12 chicks of various ages. 3 are pullets for sure (Black stars!), but I'm curious about the other 9. The oldest is about 5 weeks old but other than being the dominant one, nothing is evidenced of gender. How much longer do I have to wait until I know?

Thanks

 

[lisa new chickens]

I have 2 bantams at 5 weeks old. One started crowing about 4 days ago..IN HIS BROODER!..Too cute...I have read that the mails have more masculine features in the face, and of course larger combs...

 

[Happy Chooks]

Unless they are a hard breed to sex like EE's, Ameraucana's or Araucana's, you should have a pretty good idea by 5 weeks. Post pics and we'll tell you.

 

[michickenwrangler]

Quote:
The 3 youngest ARE ee's. I SHOULD change my signature since these were gotten from TSC and are not true ameraucanas.

 

[Illia]

Usually I can sex my EEs right as they feather out, unless they're an odd color. . . My Ameraucanas I can sex at 5 weeks. My Araucanas I can sex at 5 weeks as well. It's all about the pea comb in most cases. (but with colors like duckwing it is about feathering)

To me it depends on breed. Single combed birds for example are even easier - My Marans I can sex by about 2 weeks.