Look at that tail--is it a roo?

[barnbum7]

I purchased these from a local hatchery on May 2. The guy said they were about a week old. They are in various stages of development, two being tiny. And then there's one who isn't bigger than the others, but what a tail has grown! This one also has blacker feathers. So, it's either older than the others, or it's a roo.

What's your guess?

They'll be spending much of the day out on grass today!

 

[sourland]

Early tail growth is a poor indicator of gender.

 

[SilverBirds]

All chicks develop at different rates. Tail feathers aren't a real indication of gender until they are much older. Watch for comb and wattle growth instead.

 

[The Moonshiner]

All chicks develop at different rates. Tail feathers aren't a real indication of gender until they are much older. Watch for comb and wattle growth instead.

X2

 

[barnbum7]

Early tail growth is a poor indicator of gender.

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[barnbum7]

All chicks develop at different rates. Tail feathers aren't a real indication of gender until they are much older. Watch for comb and wattle growth instead.

Thank you.

 

[barnbum7]

Thanks.

 

[gimmie birdies]

I have found early wing and tail are girls. Boys run about with no butt feathers for a long time.

 

[barnbum7]

Well, isn't that good news!

 

[Rhodebar Lover]

I have found early wing and tail are girls. Boys run about with no butt feathers for a long time.

I agree. Do not think that tail feathers are accurate but… most every bird that was extremely slow to feather has been a male in my experience (all other factors like breed/variety being equal). Quick feather development usually correlates to being a pullet