New group of chicks to help with sexing...7 weeks old

[Chickensandchicks]

Ok now I need to look at my dark chicks....see any that might be barred rock females? I lost track of who hatched one night as 8 chicks hatched lol as I was sleeping

What about this chick?

 

[JedJackson]

Ok now I need to look at my dark chicks....see any that might be barred rock females? I lost track of who hatched one night as 8 chicks hatched lol as I was sleeping

I think you've done pretty well. Most are pullets. I think there were only 5 cockerels out of that group, which is better than 50/50.

 

[JedJackson]

What about this chick?

That looks just like a black sex link female. Which is probably what it is. Pretty bird.

 

[Chickensandchicks]

I think you've done pretty well. Most are pullets. I think there were only 5 cockerels out of that group, which is better than 50/50.

I was just checking my notes I took from wing sexing at 2 days and then tail feathers at 8 days ....i was sure the barred rocks were boys...and i thought maybe 4 more boys so I am pretty happy I am new at this

 

[Chickensandchicks]

That looks just like a black sex link female. Which is probably what it is. Pretty bird.

Oh so excited but I can't mate these boys with her correct?.they have same dad but different moms as this girl chick mom always laid grayish egg and my other 2 barred rocks laid brown eggs

 

[JedJackson]

I was just checking my notes I took from wing sexing at 2 days and then tail feathers at 8 days ....i was sure the barred rocks were boys...and i thought maybe 4 more boys so I am pretty happy I am new at this

You were right. And you're doing a great job with your flock!

 

[Chickensandchicks]

You were right. And you're doing a great job with your flock!

Thanks i love having chickens...i started for eggs but now totally crazy over them....i have 9 silkies also ...and the little silkie chick I showed pic of and another one 3 weeks old with 8 other chicks that I will want help sexing in a few weeks

 

[JedJackson]

Oh so excited but I can't mate these boys with her correct?.they have same dad but different moms as this girl chick mom always laid grayish egg and my other 2 barred rocks laid brown eggs

If they have different mothers then you are safe mating them. Generally you don't want to cross full blooded brothers and sister. Half siblings are fine for a generation or two. And you can mate the children back to the parents, too, if you need to. Eventually you will need to add new blood to avoid inbreeding but that's a couple of generations down the road.

 

[Chickensandchicks]

If they have different mothers then you are safe mating them. Generally you don't want to cross full blooded brothers and sister. Half siblings are fine for a generation or two. And you can mate the children back to the parents, too, if you need to. Eventually you will need to add new blood to avoid inbreeding but that's a couple of generations down the road.

Oh ok so will chicks from these have bars?

 

[JedJackson]

Thanks i love having chickens...i started for eggs but now totally crazy over them....i have 9 silkies also ...and the little silkie chick I showed pic of and another one 3 weeks old with 8 other chicks that I will want help sexing in a few weeks

Sounds like you're a victim of what we call 'chicken math.' The more the better.