How will I be able to tell the difference between a male and female chick?

[ChickenLady2014]

Hi everyone, I am a newbie here, love the site. In fact I haven't received my chicks yet, they are arriving Feb.3rd. I will be brooding my 15 chicks and an additional 21 chicks for a couple of other people. I will have them just until they are able to be in a coop without a brooder light. My dilemma is, I just realized after reading someone else's post; that I have 8 Rhode Island Reds coming ~ 7 hen's & 1 rooster. The rooster and 1 hen are to go to one person & the other 6 hens are to go to another person. How will I know which chick is the rooster? I will only have their chicks 4 to 6 weeks. I have never placed a order from a hatchery before, so I feel a little silly asking. Is it possible for them to tag the rooster or something like that? I appreciate any advice you might have ~ thank!

 

[RoostersCrow HensDeliver!]

Yes, the hatchery can either put a band on the male chicks leg or mark the top of the chicks head.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Usually when the chicks are young you cannot determine the gender.

 

[ChickenLady2014]

Thanks for the quick reply, I will have to contact the hatchery tomorrow to see if they will tag the possible roo . I know that sexing is not 100% guaranteed, but a 90% odds are definitely better than me trying to guess at 5 weeks of age, LOL

 

[ChickenLady2014]

Thank for your reply