New chicken owner in Philadelphia area

[Cathrine]

Hi everyone,

I am a new chicken owner - I received my baby chicks by mail (!) in August. They all seem to be doing great. They are lively, full of personality and make me laugh at some of their antics. They come running to the end of their run to greet anyone who comes into the yard - even our dog.

I tried to choose the breeds of my girls based on temperament. I ended up with 2 buff Orpingtons, 1 Plymouth Rock, 3 Wyandottes (silver laced, gold laced and columbian), 2 Australorps, 2 Speckled Sussex, 1 Red Sex Link and 2 Polish (because we have some polish heritage).

I asked for females. I know that is not a perfect science and I'm wondering if one of my australopes might be male. The tail is much more upright that all the other hens. No crowing though. Would I be able to tell at 5 months old?

I am looking forward to learning all about how to care for my girls on this site

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Cathrine Excited to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

 

[sourland]

Hi, Cathrine, and welcome to BYC. Any cockerels should be showing male specific feathering - pointy hackle (neck) feathers, saddle (back) feathers , and flowing tail coverlets. At 5 months any cockerels might be crowing. Post pictures of the birds in question, and someone will help with gender identification.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

You picked some fine breeds! By 5 months of age, the bird will have a big ol bright red comb on the Australorp. Hens would still be pale yet. Aussie hens don't mature up till after 6 months of age. But an Aussie Roo would definitely look like a big roo. As @sourland has mentioned, lots of long hackle and saddle feathers by now as well.

Good luck with your flock and welcome to ours!

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

 

[moniquem]

pics!! Those are some of the breeds I chose as my first flock! I'm a newbie too, will be getting my chicks in April from Meyer Hatchery.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Here's a link to the forum mentioned by Sourland - https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/what-breed-or-gender-is-this.15/

 

[FluffehChick]

Hello Cathrine and welcome to BYC!
Good choice of chickens!

My penguin (Yes, he's called that ) started crowing at late 5 months, almost 6.
I agree with TwoCrows, they are some big signs in growth.

Have a good time here!

-Fluff

 

[Wickedchicken6]

Hello and welcome to BYC!! It’s so nice to have you join us.

This video may help with learning how to navigate the new site.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask one of us.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Those are wonderful breeds. Sounds like you have a good plan as well. Welcome to the site.