Mottled Houdan

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chickenweave

chickenweave

In the Brooder
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Mar 30, 2016
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I bought 5 chicks about 4 weeks ago. How do I know the boys from the girls? At what age is their gender apparent? I'm obviously new to raising chickens. Also, when can I stop using the heat lamp and put them outside in their coop?
 
Hi :welcome

Glad you could join the flock! You could post some pics in the what breed gender section ~ https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/15/what-breed-or-gender-is-this
I've not kept mottled houdan before but I'm sure members will be able to help in that section. As for getting them out into the coop I would gradually wean them off the heat and when they are fully feathered remove all heat form them. I have mine outside at about a week old in the brooding shed and at about 2/3 weeks they can go outside but get back to the lamp for a warm if they wish.

Good luck with your chicks and enjoy BYC :frow
 
Thank you. I just have to figure this site out. I don't know all the 82nd and outs yet. I'm not good with computer stuff. Old school lady. Lol
 
I feel your pain. I can't do much on the computer either - my main talent is "send" and "delete" but, usually done at the wrong times. Welcome to Backyard chickens. I am not familiar with Mottled Houdan's but, know they are beautiful. At 6-8 weeks of age, you can post photos at "what breed or gender is this," knowledgeable people will give their opinions.
 
Thanks. They are almost 5 weeks now. They are already sparring. I read sometimes the girls do that too. I can't have roosters where I live.
 
I myself got two molted houdans that were like kids to me. What I did to see what gender they were was:
-hold them against you with their tail facing the side of your free hand.
-take either two fingers or your thumb and fore finger and run it along the length of their spine and go off both sides of the tail
Females will get stiffer and will raise their tail slightly. Males will look at you like you are crazy.
If you are unsure about some of them, just wait a little bit longer, some take longer to mature than others.
Good luck!
 
400

There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to join the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around the run.
 
Hi and welcome to BYC.

The Learning Centre is a great resource, even for experienced chicken keepers - loads of info on anything chicken. https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center

Joining your state thread will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area, which can be helpful (just type the name of your state in the search box).

All the best
CT
 

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